r 

V-  l  ,  ii 


•  * 

4  :M 


-  V«.  ■  ..... 


CYLINDERS 
AND  OTHER  ANCIENT 
ORIENTAL  SEALS 


CYLIN  DERS 
AND  OTHER.  ANCIENT 
ORIENTAL  SEALS 


IN  THE  LIBRARY  OF 
J.  PIERPONT  MORGAN 


CATALOGUED  BY 
WILLIAM  HAYES  WARD 


JV ew  Yorh^, 
PRIVATELY  PRINTED 
M  C  M  I  X 


Copyright ,  /pop,  Frederic  Fairchild  Sherman 


No.  36 


CONTENTS 


CONTENTS 


INTRODUCTION 

The  Cylinder  Seals . 12 

Cone  Seals . 20 

BABYLONIAN  CYLINDERS 

Archaic  Cylinders . 25 

The  Victorious  Sun-god  . 30 

Gilgamesh  and  Eabani . 31 

The  Seated  Goddess  Bau . 40 

The  Seated  God . 42 

The  Rising  Sun  Shamash . 46 

The  Sun-god  and  the  Bird-man . 49 

The  Winged  Gate  Over  a  Bull . 50 

The  God  With  the  Serpent  Body . 52 

The  Goddess  With  Child . 52 

Nergal  and  Allat . 53 

The  Goddess  Ishtar  . 54 

Marduk . 55 

Ea . 56 

Adad . 56 

Martu . 58 

Aa-Shala  .  .  .  .  . . 60 

ZlRBANIT . 6l 

The  God  With  the  Crook . 62 

Ningishzida  . 63 

The  Kassite  Style . 64 

Thick  Marble  Cylinders . 67 

Elamite  Cylinders . 70 


CONTENTS 


ASSYRIAN  CYLINDERS 

Doubtful  Assyrian  Cylinders . 71 

The  Older  Assyrian  Style . 72 

Bel  and  the  Dragon . ' . 75 

The  Tree  of  Life . 77 

The  Assyrian  Adad . 80 

A  Seated  Deity . 81 

CYPRIOTE  CYLINDERS . 87 

SYRO-HITTITE  CYLINDERS 

The  Egyptian  Influence . 89 

Syro-Hittite  Cylinders  of  Babylonian  Type  ....  93 

A  Seated  Goddess . •  .  .  99 

The  Hittite  Supreme  God . 100 

The  Storm-god  Teshub . 104 

The  Nude  Goddess  Ishkhara . 106 

The  Bull-Altar . 109 

The  Winged  Disk  With  Rays . 111 

Hittite  Cylinders  Wrought  With  the  Drill  .  .  .112 

SABEAN  CYLINDERS . 1 1 5 

PHOENICIAN  INSCRIPTIONS . 116 

PERSIAN  CYLINDERS . 117 

Wild  Animals . 118 

SCARABOIDS . 120 

ASSYRIAN  CONE  SEALS . 121 

SASSANIAN  SEALS . 127 


INTRODUCTION 


i 


■  \ 


. 


«  • 


INTRODUCTION 


V 


TH  E  collection  herewith  figured  contains  selected  examples 
of  the  seals  used  in  the  East  to  designate  the  ownership  of 
property,  or,  more  usually  to  identify  the  writer  or  the 
witness  of  a  written  document,  from  the  beginning  of 
civilization  until  a  period  of  five  or  six  hundred  years  after  the  Christian 
Era.  It  includes  nearly  three  hundred  cylinder  seals,  selected  from  a 
much  larger  number,  valued  for  their  antiquity,  or  more  generally 
for  the  nature  of  the  mythologic  or  other  designs  figured  upon  them, 
or  for  their  material  or  other  peculiarity.  Some  are  fine  examples  of 
ancient  design  and  engraving,  while  others,  although  they  may  be 
crude  in  art  and  worn  or  corroded,  yet  give  a  clue  to  the  development 
or  meaning  of  some  motive,  and  are  therefore  of  value  in  the  study 
of  the  earliest  mythology.  Care  has  been  taken  to  collect  but  a  few 
representative  examples  of  the  more  common  designs,  although  the 
effort  to  take  them  all  as  they  are  found  would  have  been  of  value  to 
show  the  comparative  prevalence  of  certain  designs  and  the  popular 
worship  of  the  several  gods. 

Of  the  so  called  Assyrian  cone  seals  not  a  few  of  which  are  offered 
for  sale  by  dealers  in  antiquities,  only  a  few,  and  those  such  as  are  of 
special  value  for  the  engraving  on  them  or  for  their  material,  are  in  this 
collection,  about  two  dozen  in  all.  They  are  of  less  importance  than  the 
cylinder  seals,  as  they  are  of  a  later  period,  beginning  with  the  Persian 
rule ;  and  the  designs  upon  them  follow  almost  exactly  those  upon  the 
later  Assyrian  cylinders.  But  they  have  a  real  value  in  the  history  of 


II 


seals,  and  are  at  times  extremely  attractive  for  their  choice  material 
and  excellent  engraving. 

There  follows  a  small  collection  of  what  are  called  the  Sassanian 
seals,  whose  period  falls  within  the  early  centuries  of  the  Christian  Era. 
These  introduce  some  fresh  designs,  and  are  of  a  quite  separate  style  of 
art,  but  they  are  of  value  historically,  and  they  have  their  peculiar  shape 
as  seals,  and  even  develop  into  the  seal  ring,  of  which  this  collection 
has  good  examples. 

The  Cylinder  Seals 

THE  cylinder  seal,  as  the  witness  of  personal  proprietorship,  goes 
back  to  the  earliest  period  of  history  known  to  us  as  we  pass  out 
of  the  geologic  period  which  possessed  no  writing  by  which  history 
could  be  recorded  and  transmitted.  Indeed,  the  fact  that  the  earliest 
cylinders  have  no  writing,  or  only  doubtful  hieroglyphics,  suggests  that 
the  use  of  such  seals  antedates  the  discovery  of  writing  of  any  sort.  We 
find  the  cylinder  seal  in  use  from  the  earliest  historical  period  in  both 
the  valley  of  the  Nile  and  in  that  of  the  lower  Tigris  and  Euphrates. 
While  soon  supplanted  by  the  scarab  in  Egypt  it  continued  to  be  the 
usual  type  of  seal  in  Babylonia,  Assyria,  and  Persia  until  the  sixth  cen¬ 
tury  b.  c.,  and  had  only  less  vogue  in  the  Hittite  and  Syrian  region. 

The  cylinder  shape  was  chosen  to  fit  the  material  on  which  writing 
was  done,  namely,  clay.  When  a  tablet  moulded  of  adhesive  clay  had 
been  inscribed,  it  was  easy  to  roll  a  cylinder  over  it,  and  leave  the  design 
on  the  tablet.  Inasmuch  as  the  earlier  tablets  were  usually  somewhat 
convex  on  the  face,  it  was  natural  to  have  the  cylinder  often  somewhat 
concave  to  fit  it  as  rolled  over  it.  It  has  been  suggested  that  the  most 
primitive  seals  were  the  short  joints  of  reeds.  They  are  often  of  the  shape 
and  size  of  such  joints,  and  it  may  be  that  one  of  them  was  rudely  cut 
with  a  design  to  indicate  the  owner’s  personality.  But  if  so  none  have 
been  preserved,  and  the  earliest  are  of  shell  or  of  a  soft  stone,  usually 
serpentine.  For  the  shell  cylinders  the  compact  core  of  a  conch  shell 
from  the  Persian  Gulf  was  taken.  It  is  reasonably  hard,  can  be  well 


12 


engraved,  and  as  preserved  would  sometimes  be  taken  for  ivory  or  mar¬ 
ble.  But  it  is  very  apt  to  be  corroded,  and  well  preserved  specimens  are 
rare.  The  serpentine  is  either  a  gray-green  or  a  compact  fine  grained 
black  variety,  which  is  quite  different  from  the  greenish  black  soft 
serpentine  used  for  seals  in  the  Assyrian  and  neighboring  regions.  It  is 
much  to  be  desired  that  we  knew  whence  the  lighter  green  and  black 
serpentines  came,  whether  from  Elam  to  the  East  or  from  Arabia  to 
the  West. 

Neither  of  these  materials,  shell  and  serpentine,  required  any  special 
tools  for  cutting;  but,  when  at  a  very  early  period,  from  before  the  time 
of  the  Elder  Sargon,  or  3000  b.  c.,  the  silicious  stones  came  into  use, 
such  as  jasper  or  chalcedony,  it  would  seem  that  the  cutting  tool  must 
have  been  tipped  with  a  flake  of  corundum.  Diamond  could  hardly 
have  been  known.  All  the  work  was  with  the  free  hand,  no  evidence 
appearing  of  the  use  of  a  revolving  tool  until  about  1500  b.  c.  From 
a  very  early  period  lapis  lazuli  was  a  much  valued  material  for  cylinders, 
and  was  brought  from  the  hills  of  Elam.  After  learning  to  cut  the 
harder  stones  there  was  much  search  for  choice  material,  and  carnelian, 
agate,  blue  chalcedony,  or  saphirine,  and  rarely  jade  are  among  the 
stones  preferred  at  different  periods  or  regions. 

We  have  no  knowledge  how  it  happened  that  the  cylinder  came  to 
be  common  in  an  extremely  early  period  to  both  Egypt  and  Babylonia. 
Some  scholars  believe  that  the  earliest  founders  of  the  Egyptian  state 
came  from  Babylonia  and  brought  the  cylinder  with  them.  Others  insist 
that  the  Egyptian  civilization  is  much  older  than  the  Babylonian.  As 
the  clay  tablet  was  not  in  common  use  for  writing  in  Egypt,  we  may 
presume  that  the  cylinder  was  less  likely  to  originate  there,  and  it  never 
had  much  development.  In  the  common  coast  and  valley  region  of  the 
Euphrates,  the  Tigris  and  the  Karun  rivers  there  existed  a  common 
civilization  in  the  earliest  times ;  and  the  cylinder  was  in  use  probably 
from  a  period  antedating  the  invention  of  anything  more  than  a  rude 
form  of  hieroglyphic  writing.  It  is  still  impossible  to  fix  with  any 
accuracy  this  earlier  chronology.  The  present  tendency  is  to  reduce  its 


B 


13 


antiquity;  and  it  may  be  that  the  approximate  dates  assigned  in  this 
Catalogue  to  the  earlier  cylinders  should  be  reduced  by  several  centuries. 

The  art  of  these  earliest  seals  was  very  rude.  The  human  figures  were 
either  nude  or  clad  in  a  short  fringed  skirt.  The  faces  showed  in  profile 
an  extremely  prominent  nose,  so  as  to  be  almost  bird-like,  and  a  large 
round  eye.  The  animal  figures  were  drawn  with  more  vigor  and  accu¬ 
racy.  Among  the  more  common  designs  was  that  of  a  deity  seated,  or 
two  seated  on  a  stool  facing  each  other,  and  drinking  through  a  tube 
from  a  large  vase  on  the  ground.  We  have  examples  in  figs.  1-6. 
Another  early  design  shows  a  huge  eagle  seizing  with  its  talons  an 
animal  of  some  sort  on  either  side,  such  as  a  lion  or  bull.  Back  to  nearly 
the  earliest  period  we  find  that  most  favorite  of  all  the  designs  is  the 
contest  with  wild  beasts  of  Gilgamesh  and  his  friend,  the  composite 
Eabani,  half  man  and  half  bull,  or  rather  bison  of  Elam.  They  fight 
one  a  bison  and  the  other  a  lion ;  but  a  little  later  in  the  time  of  the 
Elder  Sargon,  the  water  buffalo  of  the  Babylonian  swamps  takes  the 
place  of  the  bison  of  the  hill  country  of  Elam.  Another  early  design 
is  that  which  shows  the  god  or  goddess  seated  or  standing  and  the 
worshipper  bringing  a  goat  in  his  arms  for  sacrifice.  The  imaginative 
element  in  early  religion  is  best  shown  in  those  early  seals  on  which  the 
Sun-god  either  comes  out  of  the  gates  of  the  morning  and  steps  on  the 
mountains  of  the  East,  or  in  which  the  morning  Sun  fights  the  demons 
of  the  cloud  and  storm  that  infest  the  eastern  hills. 

All  these  designs  show  a  certain  freedom  of  composition  which  was 
lost  at  a  later  period.  Gradually  the  figures  of  the  gods  became  conven¬ 
tionalized  and  several  gods  took  the  place  of  scenes  in  which  a  single 
one  appeared  with  his  worshippers  or  in  conflict  with  foes.  Occasionally, 
from  the  time  of  the  Elder  Sargon,  and  along  the  period  of  the  dynas¬ 
ties  of  Ur,  the  name  of  the  owner  of  the  seal  was  engraved,  and,  in  the 
case  of  local  kings,  the  designation  of  his  titles  and  city.  From  the  time 
of  Gudea  and  the  later  dynasties  of  Ur,  a  little  before  2000  b.  c.,  we 
have  a  more  jejune  art.  The  materials  have  also  changed,  and  hematite 
is  the  usual  one  chosen.  It  is  hard  enough,  but  not  as  hard  as  the  silicious 


stones,  and  its  grain  allows  the  finest  engraving.  Many  of  these  cylinders 
are  excellently  cut,  but  the  designs  lack  originality.  These  cylinders  are 
much  smaller  than  those  of  the  archaic  period.  It  was  also  usual,  or 
frequent,  to  have  engraved  on  the  cylinder  the  name  of  the  owner,  and 
that  of  his  father  and  the  god  whom  he  worshipped. 

With  the  Kassite  dynasty  there  came  another  style  of  cylinder.  It 
again  approached  the  size  of  those  of  the  earlier  period,  but  its  surface 
was  not  concave,  and  its  length  remained,  like  that  of  the  immediately 
preceding  period,  about  double  the  diameter,  while  the  earlier  ones  had 
a  length  less  than  double  the  diameter. 

But  with  the  Kassite  period  there  also  appeared  a  change  in  the 
engraving.  The  use  of  the  revolving  tool  was  introduced  occasionally, 
which  had  been  in  use  in  Egypt.  The  inscription  was  greatly  developed, 
so  as  to  occupy  most  of  the  surface  and  consisted  mostly  of  prayers  to  the 
gods.  There  was  usually  but  one  figure  of  a  god  or  worshipper,  or  at  most 
two  figures,  and  several  new  symbols  appeared,  especially  the  encased 
Greek  cross,  which  was  the  emblem  of  the  Sun,  and  perhaps  the  origin 
of  the  later  swastika. 

After  the  Kassite  period  the  next  peculiarly  Babylonian  type  is  that 
of  the  last  Empire,  that  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  merging  into  the  Persian 
rule.  Here  the  Kassite  shape  and  size  were  maintained,  but  the  design 
had  changed,  so  as  to  imitate  more  the  emblems  of  gods  on  the  bound¬ 
ary  stones.  Usually  there  is  the  seat  of  the  god,  and  over  it  his  emblem, 
with  the  owner  of  the  seal  standing  before  it  in  the  attitude  of  worship. 

This  brings  us  to  the  more  characteristic  Persian  cylinders,  which 
avoided  the  bulk  of  the  larger  Babylonian  style,  and  reverted  to  that  of 
the  middle  period.  But  there  came  to  be  a  tendency  for  convex  instead 
of  concave  surfaces.  Sometimes  the  seal  was  almost  barrel-shaped,  or 
when  it  remained  cylindrical  the  ends  were  often  convex.  The  designs 
became  very  simple  and  with  little  variation,  a  stout  god  with  a  crown 
fighting  one  or  two  winged  or  wingless  lions.  It  may  be  that  the  Persian 
dualism  is  responsible  for  this  mythologic  monotony.  The  Persian 
trowsers  characterize  the  human  figures.  When  the  Persian  design  varies 

15 


/ 


from  this  motive  it  is  to  give  us  a  hunting-scene,  or  possibly  a  war-scene, 
in  which  much  more  liberty  appears ;  but  we  may  suspect  that  these 
represent  some  of  the  outlying  provinces  of  the  Persian  Empire. 

The  northern  Empire  of  Assyria  had  its  own  type  of  cylinders.  The 
material  of  the  earliest  ones,  that  we  have  are  of  the  comparatively  soft 
serpentine,  black  with  a  brown  or  greenish  shade.  While  often  badly 
worn  they  are  never  corroded  by  chemical  action  of  the  soil.  In  a  later 
period  of  the  flourishing  empire,  choicer  and  harder  stones  were  chosen, 
mainly  of  the  varieties  of  chalcedony.  The  earlier  seals  seldom  have  on 
them  any  inscription.  It  would  seem  as  if  writing  were  not  a  frequent 
accomplishment.  It  is  difficult  to  fix  their  date,  but  we  may  presume  it 
to  be  from  2000  to  1000  or  900  b.  c.,  that  is,  the  period  before  King 
Assurnazirbal.  The  cylinders  are  large,  in  length  perhaps  a  little  more 
than  double  the  diameter,  and  the  design  frequently  shows  a  god  stand¬ 
ing  with  a  bow  in  his  hand,  and  a  worshipper  before  him.  Occasionally 
we  have  a  god  seated  before  a  table,  and  an  attendant  waving  a  fan 
behind  him.  In  these  earlier  cylinders  we  have  the  beginning  of  the 
representation  of  the  Tree  of  Life,  often  called  the  Sacred  Tree,  which 
was  a  favorite  design  in  the  period  of  the  later  Assyrian  Empire.  Origi¬ 
nally  it  was  a  date-palm  tree,  but  it  soon  took  all  the  conventional  and 
ornamental  forms  which  the  artist  could  contrive.  It  corresponded  to 
the  classical  Fortuna,  and  its  fruit  represented  the  gift  of  long  life  and 
other  blessings.  The  owner  of  the  seal  stands  near  it,  and  a  winged  figure 
stands  on  one  or  both  sides  of  the  tree,  one  hand  raised  plucking  the 
fruit,  and  the  other  holding  the  basket  in  which  it  is  gathered  for  the 
worshipper.  The  winged  figures  which  may  take  various  forms,  human 
or  animal,  like  the  Hebrew  cherubim  or  seraphim,  are  guardians  as  well 
as  givers  of  the  fruit  of  this  tree  of  life,  which  corresponds  to  the  tree 
of  life  in  the  story  of  the  Garden  of  Eden.  In  the  present  collection 
fig.  1 60  is  one  of  the  very  rare  cases  in  which  we  see  the  guardian  figure 
actually  breaking  off  the  fruit  of  life  from  the  tree. 

Another  of  the  characteristic  designs  of  this  Assyrian  period  is  the 
conflict  between  the  spirits  of  order  and  disorder,  the  conflict  of  dual- 


16 


ism  which  we  have  mentioned  as  usual  in  the  later  Persian  period,  but 
which  in  Assyria  showed  much  more  freedom  and  variety.  This  design 
seems  to  be  a  composite  of  that  so  frequent  in  early  Babylonian  art, 
of  Gilgamesh  lighting  wild  beasts,  and  of  the  conquest  of  Marduk  over 
Tiamat.  But  the  battle  between  Marduk  and  Tiamat  is  never  repre¬ 
sented  in  the  early  Babylonian  art.  Marduk  was  the  god  of  cosmic 
order,  as  Tiamat  was  the  promoter  of  confusion  and  chaos.  They  thus 
anticipated  the  later  Persian  Ahuramazda  and  Ahriman.  It  was  this  idea 
of  cosmic  conflict  which  was  figured  in  the  Assyrian  designs,  but  with 
some  confusion  with  the  fights  of  Gilgamesh  against  wild  beasts.  The 
god  often  takes  on  two  or  four  wings,  and  usually  carries  as  his  weapon 
the  curved  scimitar  of  Marduk.  His  antagonist  is  often  the  original 
composite  dragon  or  griffin,  but  may  be  anything  else  from  a  bull  to 
a  serpent.  One  of  them  in  this  collection  (fig.  156)  was  long  the  only  one 
known  and  has  often  been  figured  as  showing  that  the  representation  of 
Satan  as  a  serpent,  which  we  find  in  the  story  of  the  temptation  of  Adam 
and  Eve,  was  not  unknown  to  the  people  of  the  East.  Winckler  figures 
this  seal  on  the  cover  of  one  of  his  later  brochures,  but  credits  it  to  the 
British  Museum. 

Among  the  emblems  that  began  to  appear  in  this  period  the  most 
important  is  the  winged  disk,  representing  the  Assyrian  supreme  deity, 
Ashur,  the  name  the  same  as  that  of  Assyria  itself.  Yet  it  reached  Assyria 
from  the  West,  being  a  modification  of  the  Egyptian  representation  of 
the  Sun-god  Ra.  But  the  Egyptian  asps  were  dropped  and  other  modifi¬ 
cations  were  made,  especially  in  the  streamers  which  hang  down  from 
under  each  wing,  and  toward  which  the  worshipper  lifted  his  hand. 
They  seem  to  represent  the  connection  of  the  god  with  his  worship¬ 
pers,  just  as  the  solar  disk  worshipped  by  the  Egyptian  Heretic  King, 
Ikhnaton,  had  lines  ending  in  hands  radiating  from  it.  Other  emblems 
were  the  seven  stars,  or  dots,  which  represented  the  seven  Igigi,  or  good 
spirits,  perhaps  also  the  Pleiades ;  and  the  rhomb,  or  lozenge,  which  has 
been  usually  supposed  to  be  the  female  emblem,  but  which  may  be  a 
simpler  form  of  the  frequent  Egyptian  eye. 


n 


In  the  Assyrian  art  we  have  thus,  as  might  be  expected,  a  strong 
Western  influence.  Indeed,  in  the  middle  Babylonian  period  it  was  not 
lacking,  for  two  or  three  deities  were  distinctly  Western.  This  influ¬ 
ence  came  not  directly  from  Phoenicia,  and  still  less  from  Egypt,  but 
from  the  countries  between  the  Euphrates  and  Syria  that  belonged  to 
the  Hittite  Empire  which  ruled  with  more  or  less  authority  from  2000 
till  700  b.  c.  While  it  is  yet  impossible  to  disentangle  the  elements 
that  entered  into  the  Hittite,  or  more  generally,  the  Syro-Hittite  art,  or 
to  distinguish  what  is  originally  Hittite,  we  can  judge  that  its  art  was 
profoundly  influenced  by  that  of  the  Ionian  sea  coasts  of  the  earliest 
and  later  Mycenasan  periods,  and  probably  to  a  less  degree  by  that  of 
Egypt  by  way  of  Phoenicia.  The  Egyptians  were  not  such  sea-faring 
men  nor  such  merchantmen  as  these  Greek  colonists  of  the  coast  of 
Asia  Minor  and  Phoenicia  with  whom  the  civilization  of  the  Hittites, 
the  Mitanni,  and  the  neighboring  states  came  into  close  relation ;  and 
indeed  there  is  late  reason  to  believe  that  some  of  these  were  themselves 
Aryan  like  the  inhabitants  of  the  Greek  coasts. 

It  is  not  easy  to  classify  the  cylinders  of  what  we  may  call  the  Syro- 
Hittite  region,  although  the  later  ones  differed  considerably  through 
Assyrian  or  Persian  influence  from  the  earlier  ones.  In  the  more  defi¬ 
nitely  Hittite  type,  this  collection  is  extremely  rich.  They  give  no 
sign  of  Assyrian  influence,  but  markedly  of  both  early  Babylonian  and 
Egyptian,  with  other  motives  that  are  peculiar  to  themselves.  They  are 
usually  small,  of  hematite  or  other  iron  ore,  and  are  finely  and  carefully 
cut,  with  close  designs  making  them  often  very  attractive.  They  prob¬ 
ably  go  back  to  a  period  as  early  as  the  twelfth  Egyptian  dynasty,  and 
it  may  be  2000  b.  c.  ;  and  they  appear  till  they  merge  into  the  more 
purely  Syrian  or  Phoenician  forms.  Rarely  the  predominant  influence 
is  Egyptian,  and  it  may  be  conjectured  that  they  belonged  to  Egyptian 
rulers,  perhaps  of  the  period  when  the  eighteenth  or  nineteenth  dynasty 
was  in  control,  or  to  an  earlier  period.  A  number  of  these  are  said 
to  have  come  from  the  Hauran,  east  of  the  Jordan,  where  Egyptian 
influence  was  early  established. 

18 

\ 


Especially  characteristic  of  these  Syro-Hittite  cylinders,  which  very 
rarely  have  Hittite,  and  less  rarely  Babylonian,  inscriptions,  are  the 
figures  of  three  principal  deities,  two  gods  and  a  goddess.  We  may 
imagine  them  to  be  father  and  mother  and  son,  but  there  is  no  evidence 
in  the  art  to  that  effect.  One  of  these  gods  was  introduced  into  the 
Babylonian  pantheon  as  the  God  of  the  West,  and  the  other  under  the 
name  of  Adad,  and  very  likely  also  the  goddess.  One  is  a  dignified, 
stately  god,  in  a  rather  long  robe,  and  usually  with  no  weapon.  He  is 
the  Martu  of  Babylonia,  but  we  are  not  certain  what  was  his  Hittite 
name.  The  other  god  has  usually  a  very  short  robe,  scarcely  more  than 
a  loin-cloth,  and  is  dressed  for  war.  He  sometimes  stands  on  the  moun¬ 
tain,  as  in  figs.  229  and  237,  and  carries  in  one  hand  a  weapon  over  his 
head,  and  in  the  other  hand  a  club,  bow,  ax,  or  other  weapon,  and 
a  cord  by  which  he  leads  a  bull  with  a  ring  in  his  nose.  So  he  appears 
in  figs.  97  and  98.  In  Babylonian  art  he  carried  the  thunderbolt. 
He  is  known  under  various  names,  such  as  Ramman,  Adad,  Teshub, 
Resheph,  and  is  the  god  of  lightning,  thunder,  rain  and  storm,  and  also 
the  god  of  war.  The  thunderbolt  or  other  weapons  carried  by  him 
represent  the  lightning,  and  the  bull  bellowing  the  thunder.  The  god¬ 
dess  is  usually  nearly  nude,  with  the  garment  drawn  back  to  expose  her 
person.  She  also  is  related  to  the  bull,  or  cow,  on  which  she  stands. 
Examples  are  seen  in  figs.  243-252.  In  the  remarkable  cylinder  shown 
in  fig.  229  the  three  deities  all  appear.  Of  the  gods  Adad  was  the  most 
worshipped;  and  under  the  name  Addu,  he  enters  into  more  names  of 
Syrian  persons  in  the  Telel-Amarna  letters  than  all  other  gods  com¬ 
bined.  It  is  not  unlikely  that  the  monotheistic  worship  of  Yahweh 
originated  in  that  of  Addu.  Yahweh  was  equally  the  god  of  lightning, 
thunder,  storm  and  war,  and  was  worshipped  in  the  desert  and  later  in 
the  northern  kingdom  of  Israel  under  the  form  of  a  bull. 

Another  peculiar  element  in  Syro-Hittite  art  is  the  guilloche  or 
rope-pattern,  sometimes  a  braided  pattern.  This  may  have  its  first  source 
in  the  scrolls  of  Egyptian  ornament,  but  was  probably  directly  derived 
from  the  Mediterranean  coasts.  It  is  a  marked  characteristic  of  Myce- 


nasan  ornament,  and  probably  was  developed  out  of  gold  wire-work 
Very  frequently  a  portion  of  these  cylinders  are  in  two  or  three  registers, 
of  which  the  middle  one  may  be  the  guilloche,  and  the  other  two,  lions, 
sphinxes,  vultures  or  other  animals,  and  often  a  procession  of  walking 
figures,  two,  three  or  four. 

The  above  are  the  main  classes  of  cylinders,  but  some  others  rarely 
appear.  A  very  few  cylinders  have  Sabean  inscriptions.  Scarce  half  a 
dozen  are  known,  and  two  of  them,  figs.  264  and  270,  are  in  this  collec¬ 
tion.  A  class  of  Elamite  cylinders  are  not  well  understood,  and  are  very 
rude  and  are  supposed  to  be  archaic.  Of  these  there  are  one  or  two 
here  (figs.  138  and  139).  Several  in  this  collection  are  Egyptian,  and 
others  are  of  uncertain  provenance. 

It  was  in  the  later  period  of  the  Akhasmenian  Empire  of  Persia  that 
the  cylinder  was  largely  replaced  by  the  cone  seal.  The  use  of  the  clay 
tablet  as  a  writing  material  was*  beginning  to  give  way  to  that  of  other 
materials  under  the  Western  influence;  and  the  conquest  of  Alexander 
and  the  Greek  control  must  have  made  parchment  to  be  preferred  as 
much  more  portable.  The  cylinder,  with  the  tablet,  scarce  lasted,  unless 
it  were  in  outlying  districts,  into  the  Seleucid  period. 

Perhaps  as  early  as  600  b.  c.  the  cylinder  seal  began  to  be  replaced 
by  the  so-called  Assyrian  cone  seal  which  remained  in  use  several  hun¬ 
dred  years.  The  origin  of  this  shape  is  not  clear,  but  it  is  likely  that  the 
influence  which  produced  it  came  from  the  West.  In  Egypt  the  cylinder 
was  in  use  in  the  time  of  the  earlier  dynasties ;  but  the  employment  of 
papyrus  for  writing,  instead  of  clay,  made  the  cylinder  inconvenient, 
and  it  was  replaced  by  the  scarab,  and  the  use  of  the  scarab  extended  into 
Syria  and  Phoenicia.  But  the  scarab  was  reduced  to  the  scaraboid,  a 
simple  oval  which  eliminated  all  the  joints  of  the  beetle.  It  may  be 
that  the  Assyrian  cone  seal  grew  out  of  the  scaraboid;  but  it  received  a 
more  convenient  form  for  attachment,  and  allowed  a  larger  perforation 
for  the  string  or  wire. 

These  seals  are  by  no  means  all  true  cones,  as  in  about  half  of  them 
the  section  is  octagonal ;  or,  more  exactly,  that  of  a  parallelogram  with 


20 


the  angles  truncated,  and  all  eight  sides  somewhat  convex.  Those  with 
the  oval  section  may  be  more  or  less  flattened  at  the  sides,  and  occasion¬ 
ally  the  section  is  nearly  circular.  The  face  is  almost  without  exception 
more  or  less  convex.  The  perforation  is  near  the  small  end  of  the  cone, 
and  in  one  case  in  this  collection  we  have  the  silver  wire  from  which 
it  was  hung  still  preserved. 

The  material  is  most  frequently  chalcedony,  but  may  be  of  other 
stone,  very  rarely  of  carnelian  or  lapis  lazuli;  and  in  this  collection 
there  is  a  unique  example  of  emerald  green  glass.  A  material  particularly 
sought  for  the  choicer  examples  is  the  blue  chalcedony,  called  saphirine, 
which  came  into  use  for  cone  seals  and  for  cylinders  only  in  the  Persian 
period.  The  blue  color,  though  attractive,  is  never  deep,  and  it  grades 
down  to  a  bluish  chalcedony. 

Of  all  designs  the  most  frequent  by  far  is  that  which  gives  us  the 
worshipper  dressed  in  a  long  garment  with  hand  raised  before  the  col¬ 
umnar  altars,  called  in  the  Bible  “groves,”  a  mistranslation  of  the 
Hebrew  word  ashera ,  by  which  these  objects  are  now  designated.  They 
are  a  more  or  less  simple  column,  each  having  its  own  form  to  designate 
a  particular  god  whose  symbol  it  is.  They  may  rise  from  a  horizontal 
line,  but  in  the  more  developed  form  they  rise  from  what  represents  the 
seat  of  the  god,  called  shubatu ,  in  Babylonian.  In  three  cases  out  of  four 
in  the  more  common  seals  of  cheap  workmanship,  there  are  two  asheras, 
those  of  Marduk  and  Nebo.  Marduk’s  emblem  is  a  vertical  column  with 
a  spear-head  at  the  top ;  but  where  the  engraving  is  with  the  revolving 
wheel  or  disk,  the  spear-head  degenerates  into  a  round  hole,  made  with 
a  burr,  a  little  below  the  end  of  the  pointed  column.  The  ashera  of  Nebo 
consists  of  two  vertical  lines  that  may  be  attached  together  in  the  middle. 
Much  more  rarely  we  have  the  ashera  of  Nusku,  a  god  of  fire,  whose 
emblem  is  a  lamp.  This  ashera  consists  of  a  lamp  raised  on  a  column 
or  candlestick  close-set  with  short  cross  lines  or  circles.  Two  good 
examples  are  in  this  collection. 

Besides  this  standard  design  of  a  worshipper  before  asheras,  we  find 
a  variety  of  less  frequent  or  special  designs,  such  as  the  tree  of  life  (sacred 

21 


/ 


tree)  guarded  by  mythologic  figures,  the  scorpion-man,  which  appears 
on  the  so-called  boundary  stones  as  a  Sagittarius ;  the  goat-fish,  or  cap¬ 
ricorn  of  Ea,  the  man-fish  with  the  gushing  streams,  said  to  represent 
Oannes,  and  the  winged  disk.  Very  rarely  the  name  of  the  owner  of  the 
seal  or  his  god  is  given  also,  as  in  one  example  in  this  collection.  Quite 
rarely  we  find  not  only  the  face  of  the  seal  engraved,  but  also  one  or 
both  of  the  sides. 

While  no  attempt  has  been  made  to  gather  for  this  collection  the 
engraved  scaraboids  which  followed  the  Egyptian  scarabs,  or  the  later 
Sassanian  seals  which  replaced  the  Assyrian  cone  seals,  a  few  charac¬ 
teristic  examples  are  figured  and  described  at  the  end  of  this  Catalogue. 

For  the  translation  of  Babylonian  inscriptions  I  am  indebted  to  the 
courtesy  of  Prof.  Ira  M.  Price,  of  the  University  of  Chicago. 


22 


CATALOGUE 


- 


4 


•  * 


• % 


■  >s;  V 


BABYLONIAN  CYLINDERS 

Archaic 

MON G  the  designs  that  come  from  the  earliest  Babylonian  period 
/  \  we  may  count  those  that  give  us  a  single  seated  deity,  or  two 
<L.  JL  facing  each  other,  seated  on  a  stool,  and  at  times  apparently 
drinking  some  sort  of  beverage  through  a  tube  from  a  vase.  With  the 
god  may  be  a  standing  worshipper.  The  head  is  drawn  almost  as  a  circle, 
with  an  angle  for  the  nose,  and  is  somewhat  bird-like.  The  garment 
reaches  below  the  knees  and  has  a  coarse  fringe.  Such  are  the  following : 

No.  1.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  soft  serpentine .  Wrought  with  the  point 
and  in  fair  condition.  Length ,  jy  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  ij  mm. 

In  upper  register  two  deities  face  each  other  and  drink  through  a 
tube  from  an  amphora  between  them.  A  third  similar  seated  deity,  and 
an  approaching  figure  with  hand  lifted.  In  the  lower  register  a  deity  is 
seated  in  a  four-wheeled  chariot  drawn  by  an  animal  which  seems  to 
have  an  extraordinary  mane  almost  falling  to  the  ground,  and  what  may 
be  two  horns.  One  figure  follows  the  chariot,  and  a  small  figure  seems 
to  lift  the  hand  in  obeisance  to  another  figure. 

Here  we  have  an  extremely  early  illustration  of  the  use  of  the  four- 
wheeled  chariot.  Perhaps  3500  b.c. 

No.  2.  A  very  archaic  Babylonian  cylinder ,  of  pink  marble ,  deeply  cut ,  and  in 
good  condition ,  except  that  a  portion  of  the  body  of  the  seated  goddess  is  chipped 
out.  Length ,  jg  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  11  mm. 

Design  in  two  registers,  separated  by  two  lines.  In  upper  register 
what  appears  to  be  a  gate  with  a  handle  each  side.  Two  very  primitive 
deities,  in  long  garment,  fringed  at  the  lower  end,  seated,  their  heads 
bird-shaped.  Each  lifts  a  vase.  The  lower  register  has  two  walking 
oryxes  and  a  branch. 


c 


25 


This  cylinder  is  very  interesting  not  only  for  its  slender  shape,  ma¬ 
terial,  and  great  antiquity,  but  also  for  the  unusual  long-tailed  oryxes. 
The  handles  for  the  gates  seem  to  confirm  Heuzey’s  explanation  of  an 
/  object  sometimes  carried  by  Gilgamesh  which  Heuzey  calls  a  door-post. 

No.  3.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  I27nm.;  diameter  of  end ,  6  mm. 

T wo  very  archaic  seated  figures,  not  facing  each  other,  with  bird-like 
heads  and  short  garment.  A  similar  standing  figure  with  hand  raised  in 
worship.  A  simple  tree. 

This  cylinder  represents  the  earliest  representation  of  the  human 
figure  and  garments.  Perhaps  3500  b.  c.  It  illustrates  the  archaic  use  of 
lapis  lazuli. 

No.  4.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder ,  of  arragonite.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
but  so  badly  worn  that  the  design  can  be  scarcely  discovered.  Length,  26  mm. ; 
diameter  of  end,  1 1  mm. 

There  are  two  registers  separated  by  two  lines.  In  the  upper  register 
two  seated  figures  in  long  garments  face  each  other,  and  between  them 
is  a  vase,  from  which  they  are  drinking  through  a  tube.  There  is  a  third 
seated  deity,  and  a  standing  figure  before  him.  In  the  lower  register  an 
eagle  probably  seizes  an  animal  on  each  side  with  his  talons.  Perhaps  a 
second  eagle. 

Some  of  the  archaic  cylinders  with  two  registers  are  very  slender, 
and  some  are  thick  cylinders  like  this.  Probably  3500  to  3000  b.c. 
Arragonite  is  a  soft  crystalline  mineral  much  like  calcite,  and  was  used 
only  in  the  earliest  period,  and  is  generally  badly  worn  or  corroded. 

No.  5.  An  archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shell,  and  of  unusual  size.  Wrought 
with  the  point,  but  so  badly  worn  and  corroded  that  much  of  the  design  is  unfor¬ 
tunately  lost.  Length,  64mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  21  mm. 

There  are  two  registers.  There  are  three  lines  at  the  top  and  three 
at  the  bottom,  and  six  lines  separate  the  registers.  The  upper  register 
contains  two  seated  figures,  with  a  standing  figure  between  their  backs. 
The  portion  before  them  is  abraded.  The  lower  register  contains  a  seated 
figure  holding  in  one  hand  a  sort  of  three-forked  branch,  and  a  simple 
branch  rises  from  his  knee.  Before  him,  and  with  head  turned  back 
facing  him,  a  standing  figure  opens  a  gate.  The  portion  between  the 
back  of  the  god  and  the  gate  is  abraded. 


26 


4 


PLATE  l 


PLATE  II 


This  cylinder  is  extraordinary  for  its  size.  The  seated  god  in  the 
lower  register,  with  branches,  suggests  the  very  early  origin  of  the  figures 
of  agricultural  deities,  while  the  gate  suggests  that  this  is  a  sun-god. 

No.  6.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shell.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in 
good  condition ,  except  as  small  pieces  have  flaked  off.  Length ,  41  mm. ;  diam¬ 
eter  of  the  end,  14  mm. 

In  two  registers  separated  by  two  lines.  In  upper  register  a  seated 
goddess  in  long  garment,  with  hand  raised.  Three  beardless  figures 
approach,  in  long  garments,  the  head  bare;  the  first  reaches  forward  the 
arm ;  the  second  has  arms  crossed,  the  third  carries  a  basket.  In  the  lower 
register  three  scorpions. 

It  may  be  that  this  is  a  somewhat  later  cylinder,  but  still  of  an  early 
period.  This  cylinder  is  not  pictured. 

The  three  next  cylinders  are  of  the  earliest  period,  and  give  represen¬ 
tations  of  figures  in  boats.  But  the  boats  have  an  extraordinary  my  thologic 
character,  half  man  and  half  fish.  In  these  cases  we  have  a  seated  figure 
above  the  man-fish.  A  later  form  of  the  man-fish  has  been  compared  by 
Heuzey  with  Oannes. 

No.  7.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder ,  probably  of  shell,  and  looks  like  a  yel¬ 
lowish  marble.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  somewhat  worn.  Length ,  24mm.; 
diameter  of  end,  12  mm. 

This  cylinder  shows  two  registers,  but  not  separated  by  lines.  In  the 
upper  register  a  deity  seated  (very  indistinct)  in  a  boat,  which  consists  of 
a  figure  with  a  bearded  human  head,  and  the  body  tapering  out  into  a 
serpent  or  lizard.  It  has  two  arms,  and  the  hands  seize  a  rod  forked  at 
the  bottom,  perhaps  a  pole  to  push  the  boat.  He  appears  to  be  driving  an 
animal  in  front  which  might  be  a  lion  or  a  sheep.  In  the  lower  register 
a  man  in  very  archaic  short  fringed  garment,  and  three  ibexes. 

This  type  is  very  rare  and  curious.  The  boat-like  figure  may  repre¬ 
sent  perhaps  Apsu,  or  some  form  of  the  primitive  divine  waters.  Perhaps 
3500  b.  c. 

No.  8.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shell.  Wrought  with  the  point  and 
drill,  and  considerably  worn.  Length,  35  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  16  mm. 

There  are  two  registers  separated  by  three  lines.  In  the  upper  register 
a  sort  of  long  boat  consisting  of  a  long  fish-like,  or  reptilian  body,  with 


27 


human  head,  on  which  is  seated  a  deity  in  long  garment.  Following  is 
an  animal,  and  dots  and  other  objects.  In  the  lower  register  two  seated 
deities  drink  through  a  tube  from  a  vase.  There  is  a  third  figure  and 
three  rows  of  dots. 

This  extremely  ancient  cylinder  gives  a  mythologic  story  not  easy 
to  unravel.  It  would  appear  to  show  a  god  of  the  sea  riding  on  a  sea- 
monster.  We  may  have  here  an  early  idea  of  Ea  or  Apsu,  the  ocean 
personified.  Probably  3500  b.  c. 

No.  9.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder,  of  lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
and  in fair  condition.  Length,  28  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  15  mm. 

A  boat  with  three  figures  in  it,  each  with  one  hand  raised,  and  each 
apparently  poling  with  the  other  hand.  At  each  end  of  the  boat  is  a 
vertical  line  with  short  cross-lines.  Outside  of  the  boat  are  reeds. 

This  is  a  very  unusual  design,  and  is  probably  as  early  as  3000  b.  c. 
The  cylinder  once  more  illustrates  the  primitive  use  of  lapis  lazuli. 

Equally  archaic  was  the  design  which  represents  a  mythical  eagle, 
sometimes  with  a  lion’s  head,  seizing  an  animal  on  each  side  with  its 
claws.  M.  Heuzey  has  recognized  in  this  bird  the  royal  standard  of  one 
of  the  earliest  cities  of  Southern  Babylonia,  and  calls  it  the  Eagle  of 
Lagash.  The  best  representation  known  is  on  a  silver  vase  in  the  Louvre. 
Not  inferior  to  it  in  vigor  of  design  is  the  magnificent  royal  cylinder 
seen  in  No.  1 3. 

No.  10.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  white  marble.  Rudely  wrought  with 
the  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  28  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  21  mm. 

An  Eagle  of  Lagash,  in  heraldic  position  and  with  wings  extended, 
seizes  on  each  side  a  bull  with  human  arms.  Below  the  eagle  and  as  if 
a  part  of  it,  what  looks  like  a  rude  head  reversed,  with  two  long  arms. 
A  lion  attacks  a  reversed  antelope,  and  these  are  attacked  on  each  side 
by  the  arms  of  the  two  bulls. 

This  bizarre  design  represents  a  very  early  period,  perhaps  3500  b.  c. 

No.  11.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
point  and  well  preserved.  Length,  2  j>  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  1 3  mm. 

„  The  heraldic  Eagle  of  Lagash  seizes  with  its  talons  an  ibex  on  each 
side ;  a  simple  tree. 


28 


Two  ibexes,  or  wild  goats,  seem  to  be  of  different  species  judging 
from  the  horns,  and  the  tail  of  the  eagle  is  exaggerated.  This  is  a  good 
example  of  an  archaic  design.  Perhaps  3000  b.  c.,  or  earlier. 

No.  12.  Shelly  and  blackened.  In  good  condition ,  except  where  a  portion  from 
the  helix  has  chipped  off.  Lengthy  29  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  12  mm. 

The  Eagle  of  Lagash  seizes  on  each  side  an  animal  which  may  be 
an  antelope — somewhat  rudely  wrought. 

About  3500  b.  c. 

No.  13.  'Babylonian  cylinder ,  of  an  early  period,  of  black  serpentine ,  or  slaty 
stone.  W rought  with  the  point  and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  28  mm. ;  diam¬ 
eter  of  end,  16  mm. 

The  lion-headed  Eagle  of  Lagash  seizes  on  each  side  by  the  rump 
an  ibex  on  one  knee.  An  inscription  in  two  columns  of  six  lines,  which 
reads : 

galu-su  PA-AL 

GREAT  MAN  OF  THE  GOD  ....  (=MAGICIAN) 

KING  OF  HAL - KA-DI  SCRIBE  THY  SERVANT 

This  is  an  uncommonly  fine  cylinder,  of  interest  also  from  its  inscrip¬ 
tion.  Of  about  3000-2500  b.  c. 

The  following  miscellaneous  cylinders  are  of  the  archaic  Babylonian 
period.  No.  14,  which  has  a  seated  deity  to  which  a  worshipper  is  driving 
a  victim  may  be  compared  with  Nos.  1-5  ;  and  the  chariot  in  No.  1 5  is 
to  be  compared  with  that  in  No.  1. 

No.  14.  Primitive  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shell.  Wrought  with  the  point,  but 
much  worn.  Length,  j>j>  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  IJ  mm. 

A  deity,  sex  uncertain,  sits  before  what  appears  to  be  a  columnar 
altar  of  brick.  There  approaches  a  figure  in  a  short  garment,  driving  a 
ram,  probably,  for  apparent  sacrifice.  He  is  followed  by  a  second  similar 
archaic  figure,  with  the  “bird-like”  head  with  protruding  nose.  Above 
the  ram  a  crescent  under  a  star.  Over  the  two  standing  figures  an  uncertain 
object,  like  a  horizontal  branch. 

This  very  archaic  design  seems  to  show  a  primitive  form  of  sacrifice 
and  altar.  In  the  later  cylinders  the  animal  for  sacrifice  was  a  goat  held 
in  the  arms.  Perhaps  3500  to  3000  b.  c. 


d 


29 


No.  15.  Archaic  cylinder ,  Babylonian  or ,  perhaps ,  early  Syrian  of  a  black 
slaty  stone.  Very  deeply  and  rudely  cut ,  good  condition.  Length ,  28 

mm. ;  diameter  of  end ,  16  mm. 

A  four-wheeled  chariot,  with  high  square  front  part,  apparently 
solid  wheels,  and  two  loops  on  top  of  the  high  front.  The  charioteer 
wears  a  very  short  garment,  and  holds  the  reins  attached  to  the  mouth 
of  the  single  visible  horse,  or  ass.  Before  it  a  lion,  or  a  rampant  uncertain 
animal  under  a  scorpion,  and  an  uncertain  object. 

The  shape  of  the  chariot  resembles  that  on  certain  cylinders  that  are 
of  Syrian  origin.  Date  not  certain,  but  probably  more  than  2500  b.  c. 

No.  16.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  arragonite ,  deeply  wrought  with  the  point,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length, 3  J  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  2 3  mm. 

A  long-legged  figure,  on  one  knee,  seems  to  kick  with  the  other  leg. 
In  the  angle  of  the  lifted  foot,  and  of  the  other  knee,  is  a  vase.  The  arms 
end  in  an  uncertain  object.  In  the  remaining  portion,  in  two  registers, 
there  are  above,  a  small  seated  figure  with  hands  raised,  two  crossed 
animals  and  a  small  scorpion.  Two  larger  scorpions  below. 

This  is  an  archaic  cylinder,  perhaps  3000  b.  c. 

No.  17.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  an  archaic  period,  of  shell.  Rudely  wrought 
with  the  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  41mm. ;  diameter  of end,  23mm. 

Two  crossed  lions  attack  two  stags :  a  rude  profile  man,  with  back 
to  the  animals  faces  a  space  for  an  inscription  over  two  lines  below  which 
is  an  ibex.  Two  rude  stars. 

Perhaps  3500-3000  b.  c. 

The  Victorious  Sun-god 

The  next  number,  1  8,  is  a  single  example  of  a  design  of  a  very  early 
period,  of  which  very  few  are  known,  which  here  has  two  scenes,  but 
of  which  the  larger  examples  show  three  scenes,  in  the  last  of  which 
the  god  pushes  his  enemy  against  a  mountain.  It  represents  the  sun-god 
Nergal  or  Ninib,  at  sunrise  driving  away  the  spirits  of  clouds  which 
obscure  the  eastern  mountains.  In  this  case  the  god  first  attacks  the 
enemy,  and  then  seizes  him  by  the  beard. 


30 


PLATE  III 


-  j 

J 


PLATE  IV 


No.  18.  An  early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with  the  point 
and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  18  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  Q  mm. 

A  bearded  god  in  a  short  garment  seizes  by  the  beard  a  similar  figure 
carrying  a  weapon.  Between  them  a  small  figure  in  a  short  garment  with 
hand  lifted,  apparently  a  worshipper.  T wo  other  nude  figures  apparently 
fighting,  have  their  hands  raised  to  seize  each  the  other.  One  of  them 
has  in  his  hand  a  very  peculiar  object,  bent  and  with  a  handle  in  the 
middle,  possibly  a  weapon. 

The  figure  seized  by  the  beard  represents  the  clouds  of  morning 
driven  away  and  conquered  by  the  sun-god.  Probably  3500  to  3000  b.c. 

Gilgamesh  and  Eabani 

The  following  series  of  cylinders  represent  the  conflict  of  Gilgamesh, 
the  Babylonian  Nimrod,  with  wild  beasts,  usually  a  lion,  or  a  bison  of 
the  Elamite  forests,  or  the  water  buffalo  of  Babylonia,  occasionally  with 
other  wild  beasts.  He  may  be  accompanied  by  his  companion,  Eabani, 
half  man  and  half  bull,  who  also  fights  the  wild  beasts,  usually  a  lion. 
Gilgamesh  may  also  fight  the  human-headed  divine  bull  sent  to  punish 
him  for  his  coldness  towards  Ishtar,  or  sometimes  he  fights  Eabani,  or 
even  his  own  double.  This  design  in  its  ruder  forms  goes  back  to  nearly 
the  earliest  period,  and  was  not  much  copied  in  the  Middle  Babylonian 
period.  The  oldest  may  be  of  white  marble,  shell  or  lapis  lazuli,  and  are 
marked  by  the  archaic  bird-like  human  heads  and  the  short  fringed 
garment. 

No.  19.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder ,  of  white  marble.  Rudely  wrought  with 
the  point — top  battered.  Length ,  44  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  30  mm. 

A  star,  over  a  crescent,  over  a  scorpion.  Two  lions  crossed  attack  two 
ibexes;  one  of  which  is  attacked  by  a  nude  human  figure  in  profile  with 
hand  raised;  the  human  figure  attacked  behind  by  a  lion;  a  lizard,  or 
crocodile. 

This  cylinder  seems  to  be  of  extreme  antiquity,  perhaps  as  early  as 
3500  b.c.  The  lizard,  or  crocodile,  is  extremely  rare  in  oriental  art. 
The  fact  of  the  existence  of  the  crocodile  in  both  Egypt  and  India 
indicates  that  in  early  times  it  was  found  in  Babylonia. 


* 


3* 


No.  20.  Archaic  cylinder  of  white  marble.  Wrought  with  the  pointy  and 
considerably  worn.  Lengthy  32  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  2J  mm. 

Gilgamesh,  with  the  bird-like  head  and  the  archaic  garment  to  the 
knees,  attacks  a  reversed  ibex,  or  antelope,  lifted  by  the  hind  leg:  Eabani 
attacks  with  a  spear  a  fleeing  lion. 

This  cylinder  shows  how  very  early  the  myth  of  Gilgamesh  and 
Eabani  arose.  Perhaps  3500  b.  c. 

No.  21.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylindery  of  white  marble.  Wrought  with  the 
point  and  half of  the  surface fairly  preserved;  the  retnainder  battered.  Lengthy 
41  mm. ;  diameter  of  end ,  24  mm. 

A  bull  rampant  is  seized  by  a  lion  on  one  side  and  a  leopard  on  the 
other. 

It  is  rare  to  find  representations  of  the  leopard,  and  only  on  the 
earlier  cylinders.  Probably  3500  b.  c. 

No.  22.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with  the  pointy 
and  in  good  condition.  Lengthy  47  mm. ;  diameter  of  end ,  8.5  mm. 

This  cylinder  is  in  two  registers  separated  by  two  lines.  In  the  upper 
register  Gilgamesh,  in  profile,  has  his  foot  on  a  reversed  lion’s  head;  an 
ibex  (or  bull)  is  attacked  by  a  lion,  and  the  two  are  attacked  on  each 
side  by  a  hero ;  a  star  connected  by  a  line  with  a  triangle  represents  the 
oldest  hieroglyph  of  the  sun-god.  In  the  lower  register  Gilgamesh,  in 
profile,  attacks  a  bull  attacked  by  a  lion;  Eabani  attacks  an  ibex  attacked 
by  a  lion. 

This  is  an  extremely  slender  cylinder,  of  a  type  in  use  at  a  very  early 

Perhaps  3500  b.  c. 

No.  23.  An  archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli ,  mixed  with  a  white 
material.  Wrought  with  the  pointy  and  in  fair  condition.  Lengthy  j8  mm.; 
diameter  of  end ,  10  mm. 

There  are  two  registers  separated  by  two  lines.  In  the  upper  Gilga¬ 
mesh  in  rude  profile  seizes  two  ibexes,  each  of  which  is  seized  by  a 
lion.  Two  dots  and  a  bird  between  the  lions’  tails.  The  lower  register 
has  two  antelopes,  or  ibexes,  and  three  deep  dots  and  uncertain  lines. 

Probably  3500-3000  b.c. 


32 


No.  24.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine .  Wrought  with  the 
point  and  in  fair  condition.  Length ,  22  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  12  mm. 

Two  lions  crossed,  each  attack  an  antelope,  one  of  which  is  attacked 
behind  by  Eabani,  in  front  view.  There  is  a  vase  and  the  “libra”  in  an 
unusual  form,  a  ball  in  the  middle  of  the  rod;  also  a  crescent,  over  a 
small  winged  dragon  moving  downward  toward  a  bull. 

The  meaning  of  what  is  called  the  “libra”  is  quite  unknown,  and 
the  shape  in  this  early  cylinder  seems  to  indicate  the  original  form,  as 
the  usually  accompanying  vase  is  here  of  the  earliest  shape.  The  attack 
which  the  winged  dragon  makes  on  the  bull  is  very  interesting. 

Perhaps  3000  b.  c. 

No.  25.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
point  and  in  fair  condition.  Length ,  26  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  13  mm. 

A  naked  hero  seizes  two  antelopes,  each  of  which  is  attacked  behind 
by  a  lion;  a  second  naked  man  behind  one  of  the  lions.  A  tree  with  three 
branches  each  side,  each  branch  turned  up  vertically  at  the  end. 

This  is  a  somewhat  rude  cylinder  of  an  early  type,  perhaps  3000  b.  c. 

No.  26.  A  Babylonian  cylinder,  probably,  but  peculiar  in  type.  Wrought  with 
the  point  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  icy  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  g  mm. 

Border  line  at  the  bottom;  a  lion  rampant,  apparently  horned ;  behind 
him  a  beardless  figure  in  a  short  garment  seems  to  lift  both  hands  to  seize 
the  lion,  but  does  not  reach  him.  Between  them  a  small  kneeling  figure 
with  hand  raised,  and  a  possible  vase  (Aquarius).  On  the  other  side  of 
the  lion  a  figure  like  Eabani  also  reaches  both  hands  towards  the  lion ; 
between  them  an  animal  (gazelle?)  seated,  with  a  vertical  bent  horn. 
A  large  Babylonian  caduceus  with  the  vase  prominent  between  the  two 
serpents;  a  “libra.” 

We  have  here  an  admirable  example  of  the  caduceus.  Perhaps 
1000  b.  c. 

No.  27.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  yellowish  marble.  Rudely  and  deeply  wrought 
with  the  point.  In  good  condition.  Length,  27  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  23  mm. 

A  man  in  a  short  robe  seizes  with  one  hand  a  bull,  with  the  other 
an  ibex.  A  lion  attacks  the  ibex,  and  is  attacked  behind  by  a  second 
man;  both  men  are  in  profile. 


E 


33 


This  is  shaped  like  one  of  those  thick  cylinders  (Nos.  1 29  to  137) 
whose  provenance  is  uncertain,  as  well  as  their  age,  but  the  engraving 
here  suggests  a  very  early  period,  3500  to  3000  b.  c. 

No.  28.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  white  marble.  Rudely  wrought  with 
the  pointy  in  good  condition.  Length ,  23  mm. ;  diameter  of  end ,  ig  mm. 

Nude  Gilgamesh  in  profile  fights  an  ibex;  a  lion  attacks  Eabani, 
who  attacks  an  ibex.  Gilgamesh  has  a  feathered  cap,  from  which  a 
long  tassel  hangs  to  the  ground. 

This  seems  to  be  very  old,  perhaps  3500  b.  c. 

No.  29.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  white  marble.  Wrought  with  the 
pointy  half  of  it  in  good  condition ,  the  remainder  lost.  Lengthy  38  mm. ;  diameter 
of  endy  20  mm. 

A  nude  Gilgamesh,  in  profile,  of  a  primitive  type  of  face,  and  with 
a  head-dress  of  stiff  feathers,  or  possibly  tufts  of  hair,  bent  at  the  end, 
attacks  a  bull  which  has  a  humanized  face,  and  which  is  crossed,  appar¬ 
ently,  with  a  lion.  Behind,  a  small  rampant  ibex  in  an  upper  register; 
the  remainder  is  lost. 

This  is  an  extremely  archaic  cylinder,  perhaps  3500  b.  c. 

No.  30.  An  early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with  the 
pointy  and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  14.5  mm.;  diameter  of  endy  gmm. 

Gilgamesh,  in  profile,  nude,  with  radiating  plumes,  attacks  two 
rampant  ibexes,  one  of  which  is  attacked  by  a  lion.  Eabani  attacks  an 
ibex  attacked  by  a  lion. 

The  figures  are  very  archaic.  The  small  cylinder  requires  the  figures 
to  be  much  crowded.  Perhaps  as  early  as  3500  b.  c. 

No.  31.  An  archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuliy  apparently  burnt 
and  many  stnall  cracks  on  surface.  Lengthy  2g  mm. ;  diameter  of  endy  1 3  mm. 
Wrought  with  the  point  and  in  fair  condition ,  but  not  wholly  distinct. 

Gilgamesh  in  full  face,  nude,  fights  a  human-headed  bull.  Gilga¬ 
mesh,  repeated,  attacks  one  of  two  lions  that  attack  a  deer. 

This  cylinder  seems  to  go  back  of  the  Sargon  period  into  the  archaic 
period,  and  it  illustrates  once  more  how  early  the  commerce  in  lapis 
lazuli  was  carried  on.  Probably  as  much  as  3000  b.  c.,  or  earlier. 


34 


27 


PLATE  V 


No.  32.  Primitive  Babylonian  cylinder ,  of  shell ,  engraved  with  the  point,  but 
much  worn.  Length ,  jy  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  21  mm. 

A  bull  between  two  animals,  of  which  one  is  uncertain,  the  other 
a  lion  crossed  by  a  second  lion  attacked  by  a  nude,  profile  Gilgamesh 
with  one  hand  lifted  high  to  strike.  Behind  him  two  small  animals, 
apparently  crossed  over  two  lions.  Probably  3500  to  3000  b.  c. 

No.  33.  Avery  archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli.  Length,  12  mm.; 
diameter  of  end,  6  mm.  Wrought  with  the  point.  In  good  condition. 

A  mountain  goat,  reversed,  is  attacked  on  each  side  by  a  lion.  A 
figure  with  face  in  bird-like  profile  attacks  one  lion  with  a  spear.  He 
wears  a  short  and  very  archaic  garment. 

This  very  archaic  cylinder  may  be  of  a  period  3500  or  3000  b.  c. 
The  very  prominent  nose  and  the  fringed  dress  are  characteristic  of  the 
earliest  period. 

No.  34.  An  early  Babylonian  cylinder,  of  white  opaque  calcined  chalcedony. 
Wrought  with  the  point  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  21  mm.;  diameter  of 
end,  10  mm. 

A  lion  on  each  side  attacks  a  reversed  ibex.  A  scorpion,  with  the 
body  straightened  out. 

This  is  an  unusually  fine  example  of  this  early  type.  Like  the  last  it 
shows  the  reversed  ibex,  but  the  figure  of  the  hunter  is  omitted.  Probably 
3000  b.  c. 

No.  35.  An  archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with  the 
point,  and  well  preserved,  except  a  small  portion  that  is  battered.  Length, 
2  4  nun.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

The  upper  part  of  this  unusual  cylinder  is  occupied  by  two  serpents 
twined  so  as  to  make  a  sort  of  rope  pattern.  Under  them  a  gate,  or 
shrine.  A  seated  beardless  figure,  with  bison’s  horns,  is  drinking  through 
a  reed  from  a  vase,  on  the  ground  before  him.  A  nude  figure,  with  a 
feathered  cap,  attacks  a  lion  from  behind  with  a  javelin  and  a  throw- 
stick.  The  lion  seems  to  be  biting  the  head  of  a  man,  whose  body  is  all 
lost  except  a  foot.  A  crescent  and  a  circle  of  round  dots.  A  second  reed 
rises  from  the  vase,  and  another  line  crosses  it,  but  its  meaning  is  not 
clear. 


This  extremely  archaic  cylinder,  with  the  human  heads  so  rudely 
drawn,  is  of  great  interest  for  the  ornamental  arrangement  of  the  ser¬ 
pents,  which  seems  to  anticipate  the  guilloche.  Perhaps  3500  b.  c.  The 
two  serpents  are  unique. 

No.  36.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shelly  or  marble ,  wrought  with  the 
point  and  in  fair  condition.  Length ,  16  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

Eabani  in  profile  attacks  a  reversed  lion.  Gilgamesh  in  profile  attacks 
what  seems  to  be  an  antlered  deer.  Two  figures  crossed,  of  which  one 
appears  to  be  Eabani,  and  the  other  Gilgamesh,  fighting.  Ibex  rampant 
over  a  rampant  animal. 

This  seems  to  be  a  very  old  cylinder,  with  the  human  figures  in  the 
most  archaic  style,  perhaps  3500  b.  c. 

The  following  cylinders,  also  representing  Gilgamesh,  or  Eabani,  or 
both,  are  of  about  the  time  of  the  Elder  Sargon,  and  not  quite  as  archaic 
as  those  already  classified  (excepting  No.  26). 

No.  37.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  white  marble.  Wrought  with  the  point 
and  in  excellent  condition.  Length ,  IQ  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

Gilgamesh,  in  a  very  short  garment,  with  profile  face  turned  back¬ 
ward,  attacks  on  one  side  an  ibex,  and  on  the  other  a  deer;  each  attacked 
by  a  lion.  An  upright  serpent,  and  the  character  for  Shamash,  a  line  with 
a  star  above,  and  a  rhomb  below. 

This  cylinder  is  interesting  for  the  symbol  of  the  sun-god,  which  is 
in  the  very  earliest  form.  Perhaps  3000  b.  c. 

No.  38.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  basalt ,  with  many  small  white  dots. 
Wrought  with  the  point  and  worn.  Length ,  JO  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  20  mm. 

Two  figures  of  Gilgamesh  fighting  the  human-headed  bull,  which 
is  in  profile,  a  very  unusual  style — Eabani  fighting  a  lion. 

This  is  an  unusual  cylinder,  both  from  its  material,  unique  so  far  as 
I  remember,  and  the  fact  that  the  human-headed  bulls  are  in  profile. 
About  3000  b.  c. 

No.  39.  An  early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  arragonite.  Wrought  with  the  point 
and  in  fair  condition ,  indeed  unusually  good  condition  for  this  stone,  which  is 
soft  and  usually  badly  worn.  Length,  JO  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  20  mm. 


Gilgamesh  in  profile,  in  short  garment,  between  two  lions,  seizes 
each  of  them.  Eabani  seizes  animal  much  like  a  giraffe.  Between  them 
what  is  perhaps  a  sword.  What  may  be  an  illegible  inscription  over 
worn  figure  of  a  small  Gilgamesh,  with  short  garment,  who  seizes  two 
lions.  Perhaps  3000  b.c. 

No.  40.  Rarly  Babylonian  cylinder ,  of  green  serpentine ,  slightly  concave. 
Lengthy  2J  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  IJ  mm.  Wrought  with  the  point.  In  fair 
condition. 

The  design  represents  Gilgamesh,  nude,  in  profile,  attacking  a  bull ; 
and  Eabani  in  front  view,  attacking  a  lion.  There  are  two  lines  of  inscrip¬ 
tion  over  an  ibex.  The  archaic  inscription  reads : 

UR-SHAG 

SCRIBE 

This  cylinder  is  of  an  early  period,  but  not  the  earliest,  apparently 
before  the  time  of  Sargon  I.  Perhaps  3000  b.  c.  It  has  a  crack,  and  the 
head  of  the  bull  is  lost. 

No.  41.  Rarly  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  stone.  Wrought  with  the  point , 
and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  24  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  14  mm. 

Gilgamesh  in  front  view  attacks  a  buffalo,  and  Eabani  in  front  view 
attacks  a  lion.  One  line  of  inscription  which  reads: 

GU  (?)-LIL-PA-AT. 

About  3000  b.  c. 

One  may  question  the  genuineness  of  the  inscription. 

No.  42.  Rarly  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine ,  wrought  with  the  point 
and  in  good  condition.  Lengthy  32  mm.;  diameter  of  endy  18  mm.  Slightly 
concave. 

Gilgamesh  in  profile,  in  a  single  short  garment,  and  a  low  flat  cap, 
attacks  on  each  side  an  ibex,  or  mountain  goat,  one  of  which  is  attacked 
by  a  lion;  a  scorpion;  Eabani  in  front  view  attacks  a  lion;  a  star  over  two 
lines,  under  which  a  small  Gilgamesh  in  profile  seizes  the  tail  of  the  lion. 

The  admirable  condition  of  this  cylinder  makes  it  of  special  attrac¬ 
tiveness.  Probably  about  3000  b.  c. 

f  37 


% 


No.  43.  An  early  Babylonian  cylinder ,  of  red  jasper.  Engraved  with  the 
point,  but  has  in  recent  times,  apparently,  been  fraudulently  recut  in  part  for 
the  purpose  of accentuating  the  lines.  Length, JJ  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  24  7nm. 

Gilgamesh  in  profile  attacks  a  bull,  while  Eabani  attacks  a  lion. 
There  are  three  lines  of  a  recut  inscription. 

Eabani  and  the  lion  have  not  been  touched.  The  figure  of  Gilgamesh 
has  been  sophisticated,  as  also  the  inscription.  Probably  3500  b.  c. 

No.  44.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  chalcedony  calcined  white  by  fire. 
Wrought  with  the  point  and  in  excellent  condition.  Length,  J/ ?nm. ;  diameter 
of  end,  2$  ?nm.  Surface  concave. 

Eabani  in  front  view  fights  a  lion.  Repeated  symmetrically.  A  small 
lion  over  an  Eagle  of  Lagash  with  spread  wings.  A  bird  under  the  space 
of  an  erased  inscription. 

Evidently  this  excellent  cylinder  passed  to  another  owner,  who 

simply  erased  his  predecessor’s  name.  About  3000  b.  c. 

• 

The  next  cylinder.  No.  45,  belongs  to  this  same  class,  but  does  not 
contain  the  figure  of  Gilgamesh,  which  may  have  been  erased.  There 
follow  four  in  which  the  hero  appears,  but  they  are  specially  charac¬ 
terized  by  the  presence  of  the  so-called  dragon,  which  in  one  case 
Gilgamesh  is  fighting,  and  which  in  three  other  cases  is  attacking  a 
man  or  an  animal.  Yet  another  cylinder,  No.  48,  is  perhaps  from  some 
outlying  district. 

No.  45.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder,  of  a  black  slaty  stone.  Wrought  with  the 
point  and  in  good  condition,  except  that  nearly  one-third  of  the  surface  has 
been  chipped  off.  Length,  27  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  15  mm. 

A  rampant  lion  attacks  a  rampant  bull  from  behind.  A  lion  walking 
apparently  follows  an  animal  of  which  only  the  tail  and  hind  leg  are 
preserved.  Above  the  lion  are  two  lions’  heads,  and  between  the  two 
lions’  backs  a  scorpion. 

The  lions’  heads  are  peculiar  to  this  cylinder — while  the  walking 
lion  is  unusual.  Probably  3000  to  2500  b.  c. 

No.  46.  A  Babylonian  cylinder,  apparently,  but  of  a  soft  serpentine,  which  is 
more  usually  Assyrian.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  in  good  condition.  Length, 
JO  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  16  mm. 


3* 


A  winged  dragon,  attacked  by  Gilgamesh  and  Eabani.  A  slender 
crescent,  a  bird  like  a  crane,  and  two  lines  of  early  inscription. 

This  is  probably  genuine,  although  the  winged  dragon  and  the 
material  suggest  doubt.  But  we  have  an  instance  on  a  tablet  of  the 
impression  of  a  cylinder  with  a  design  much  like  this.  The  inscription 
reads: 


SHARRU-ILU-IDDIN 
SERVANT  OF  LU-DUGGA 

Probably  of  the  Gudea  period,  or  2500  b.  c. 

No.  47.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite ,  engraved  with  the  point ,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length ,  18  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  10  mm. 

A  bull  is  attacked  by  a  rampant  lion  and  lion-headed  dragon.  Cres¬ 
cent  over  a  small  dancing  monkey  (?). 

Perhaps  2500  to  2000  b.  c. 

No.  48.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  in 
excellent  condition.  Length,  23mm.;  diameter  of  end,  11mm.  Slightly  concave. 

Gilgamesh  in  front  view,  nude  except  for  a  girdle,  has  his  foot  on  a 
reversed  bull’s  head.  Again  Gilgamesh  lifts  a  reversed  lion.  A  lion-headed 
dragon  seizes  a  lion  which  seems  to  sit  on  a  mountain. 

This  admirably  preserved  cylinder  may  be  of  a  period  about  2  5  o  o  b  .  c . 

No.  49.  A  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  in 
good  condition.  Length,  26  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  13mm. 

A  lion-headed  dragon  bites  the  head  of  a  naked  man,  who  kneels  on 
a  bull.  Gilgamesh  kneeling  on  a  lion  lifts  a  lion  over  his  tripod.  Eabani 
fights  a  lion. 

This  interesting  cylinder  may  be  2300-2000  b.  c. 

No.  50.  Babylonian  (?)  cylinder  of  soft  gray  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
point  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  24  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  13  mm. 

Gilgamesh  in  profile,  with  a  short  garment  attacks  a  lion  with  a 
javelin.  A  worshipper  in  a  long  garment,  with  hand  raised,  faces  a 
four-line  inscription. 

Perhaps  this  is  not  genuine.  Apparently  about  1 000  b.  c. 


39 


The  Seated  Goddess  Bau 


Among  the  Babylonian  deities  on  the  earlier  cylinders  is  a  seated 
goddess,  who  appears  to  be  Bau,  wife  of  Ningirshu.  She  was  later  iden¬ 
tified  with  Gula  and  her  consort  with  Ninib.  She  is  dressed  in  a  long 
robe, often  flounced.  Her  hair  sometimes  falls  in  a  long  tress  behind  her 
back,  and  is  sometimes  bound  in  a  loop  behind  her  head.  She  raises  her 
hand  in  token  of  benediction  on  the  worshippers  who  approach  her.  In 
No.  5 1  an  altar  is  seen  before  her  after  a  very  early  type.  In  No.  52  the 
eagle  of  Lagash  appears  again;  and  in  No.  53  we  have  the  Babylonian 
caduceus,  of  two  serpents  at  the  summit  of  a  standard.  No.  58  is  a  royal 
cylinder  of  Gudea. 

No.  51.  Ancient  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shell.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  in 
good  condition.  Length,  32  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  18  mm. 

A  goddess  seated,  in  a  long  flounced  garment,  her  hand  extended 
under  a  crescent,  wears  a  long  tress  behind.  Three  standing  figures  in  long 
simple  dress  approach  with  hands  folded.  The  first  wears  the  horned 
hat;  the  others,  who  are  worshippers,  are  bare-headed. 

Probably  3000  to  2500  b.  c. 

No.  52.  An  early  Babylonian  cylmder  of  green  serpentine.  Wrought  with 
the  point ,  somewhat  worn  but  yet  distinct.  Length, 33  mm.;  diameter  of  end, 
IQ  ?nm. 

A  goddess  seated  in  a  long  fringed  garment  and  a  two-horned  hat, 
her  hand  extended  to  two  approaching  figures,  of  which  the  first,  the 
attendant  goddess,  leads  the  bearded  worshipper  by  the  hand.  Six  lines 
of  inscription  which  read: 

GUDEA,  ABBA 

PATESI  OF  SCRIBE 

SHIRPURLA  THY  SERVANT 

This  is  a  royal  cylinder  of  Gudea,  and  of  about  2400  b.  c: 

No.  53.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  early  period ,  of a  soft  gray  serpentine.  Wrought 
with  the  wheel,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  26  mm.;  diameter  of  end, 
1 4  mm. 

A  flounced  goddess  with  hand  extended,  to  whom  a  divine  attendant 
leads  a  beardless  worshipper,  probably  a  woman.  Before  the  goddess  is 


40 


a  square  altar  with  a  re-entrant  step,  or  shelf,  and  above  is  the  crescent. 

This  style  of  altar  is  of  an  early  period.  Probably  about  3000  b.  c. 

No.  54.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length ,  26  mm.;  diameter ,  14mm.  Surface  very  slightly 
concave. 

Seated  goddess  Bau  in  long  flounced  garment,  with  hand  extended.  A 
goddess  like  Aa  leads  a  beardless  worshipper  by  the  hand.  The  heraldic 
eagle  of  Lagash,  over  a  scorpion;  a  crescent,  a  vase,  and  “libra.” 

This  may  be  2500  to  2000  b.  c. 

No.  55.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  green  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length,  24  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  14mm. 

A  seated  beardless  deity  holds  a  vase.  Before  the  goddess  a  crescent, 
over  a  bent  object.  Two  figures  approach,  of  which  the  first  holds  the 
hands  to  the  breast,  and  the  second  lifts  the  hand  in  worship.  A  large 
Babylonian  caduceus,  consisting  of  a  standard,  with  two  serpents’  necks 
and  heads  at  the  top. 

Probably  from  2500  to  2000  b.  c. 

No.  56.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  a  gray  stone,  peculiar  for  its  shape,  which 
shows  a  heavy  rim ,  or  border,  at  each  end.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and 
badly  worn.  Length,  32  mm. ;  diameter,  through  the  heavy  border,  18  mm. 

A  seated  deity  to  whom  a  worshipper  approaches  with  hands  to  his 
breast;  followed  by  Aa.  Two  lines  of  illegible  filiary  inscription.  Behind 
the  deity  a  dancing  figure  over  a  quadruped. 

The  details  cannot  wholly  be  made  out,  as  the  cylinder  is  so  much 
worn.  It  is  valuable  as  illustrating  the  peculiar  shape  which  imitates  the 
metal  setting  of  other  cylinders.  The  impression  of  such  a  ridge  as  this 
cylinder  shows,  sometimes  appears  deeply  plowed  into  a  tablet  on  which 
it  was  impressed.  Compare  No.  66.  The  deity  may  be  a  god,  but  is  here 
placed  with  those  that  give  us  the  figure  of  Bau.  Perhaps  2500  b.  c. 

No.  SI.  A  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  in  fair 
condition.  Length,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  gmm. 

Two  seated  female  figures  face  each  other.  Each  has  the  hand 
stretched  out  over  a  small  vase.  Above  them  is  the  Eagle  of  Lagash  with 
spread  wings.  Behind  them  is  a  small  nude  figure.  One  of  the  seated 


figures  has  a  two-horned  tall  hat;  the  other  has  no  head-dress.  This 
cylinder  is  not  finely  drawn,  but  it  seems  to  belong  to  the  Gudea  period, 
perhaps  2300  b.  c. 

No.  58.  A  Syrian  cylinder  of  hematite ,  said  to  have  been  found  at  Safed, 
south-east  from  Kaifa,  in  Syria.  Wrought  rather  rudely  with  the  point ,  and 
in  good  preservation.  Length ,  ig  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  Iimm. 

A  seated  beardless,  flounced  deity  holds  by  the  hand  a  kneeling  figure. 
Over  the  latter  is  a  star  in  a  crescent.  These  follow  the  god  Ramman. 
Behind  the  seated  goddess  a  short-robed  figure,  with  hand  raised,  back 
to  the  goddess,  as  if  following  the  figure  of  Ramman,  but  separated 
from  it,  within  which  is  a  scratched  trident,  a  hand,  and  two  horizontal 
lines.  Behind  the  goddess’  head  are  four  deep  dots. 

This  cylinder  may  be  of  1 000  b.  c.,  or  earlier.  Cylinders  of  an  early 
Babylonian  type  may  be  found  as  far  as  the  Mediterranean  coast,  as 
Babylonia  overran  Syria  at  a  period  as  early  as  that  of  Sargon  the  Elder, 
3000  b.  c.,  or  less.  ' 


The  Seated  God 

Examples  of  the  worship  of  the  seated  god  go  back  to  the  early 
period  of  the  use  of  the  shell  cylinder,  and  continue  through  the  Middle 
Babylonian  period.  It  is  difficult  always  to  identify  the  deity  although 
usually  the  later  ones  represent  the  sun-god  Shamash,  while  the  earliest 
ones  may  represent  Ningirshu,  a  principal  god  of  Nippur. 

In  cases  where  three  large  dots  (meaning  thirty)  are  behind  the 
god  we  may  presume  it  to  be  the  moon-god  Sin.  The  present  collection 
contains  very  fine  examples.  No.  60  is  an  extraordinary  cylinder  and 
shows  the  god  with  the  streams  which  belong  to  a  sun-god  quite  as 
much  as  to  Ea.  He  here  is  to  be  recognized  as  Shamash  by  the  fact 
that  the  culprit  bird-man  is  brought  to  him  for  judgment.  No.  61  is  a 
fine  royal  cylinder,  unique  for  this  king. 

No.  59.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shell.  Length ,  40  mm.;  diameter  of 
end,  24.  mm.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in  unusually  good  condition  for 
shell,  although  a  small  piece  near  the  top  is  lost. 

A  bearded  flounced  seated  deity  with  a  two-horned  head-dress  lifts 
his  hand  in  blessing  to  three  approaching  figures,  each  with  his  hand 


42 


raised  in  worship,  and  similarly  clothed,  except  that  the  first  has  a  simple 
unflounced  garment.  A  fourth  figure  with  hands  crossed  to  his  breast 
stands  behind  the  god.  Apparently  the  unflounced  figure  is  a  worshipper, 
and  the  others  are  attendant  subordinate  deities. 

Probably  from  3500  to  3000  b.  c. 

No.  60.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
pointy  and  in  excellent  condition.  Lengthy  JO  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  iqmm. 
Slightly  concave. 

A  seated  flounced  god,  probably  Shamash,  in  a  high  head-dress,  and 
with  stream  from  his  lap,  hand  extended.  Before  him  the  crescent  above. 
A  bifrons  (a  human  figure  with  two  faces),  with  hand  extended,  in  a 
long  simple  garment.  Then  two  approaching  figures,  one  of  whom 
carries,  hanging  from  a  staff  over  his  shoulders,  a  bunch  of  dates ;  the 
other  is  similar,  but  from  the  club  on  his  shoulder  there  hangs  down  the 
winged  bird-man,  strung  by  the  heel. 

This  is  a  remarkable  cylinder,  and  finely  preserved.  Usually  the 
captive  bird-man  is  pushed  into  the  presence  of  the  god.  This  is  the  only 
known  case  in  which  he  thus  is  carried  on  a  rod  from  the  shoulder.  The 
bifrons  turns  one  face  toward  the  god,  and  with  the  other  watches  those 
that  follow.  The  two  faces  are  a  naive  convention  to  indicate  that  he  is 
paying  attention  both  before  and  behind  him. 

Perhaps  2800-2500  b.  c. 

No.  61.  A  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  pointy 
and  in  perfect  condition.  Lengthy  24  mm.;  diameter  of  endy  13  mm. 

A  seated  bearded  god,  probably  Sin,  the  moon-god,  holds  a  vase, 
above  which  is  the  sun  in  a  crescent.  A  goddess,  like  Aa,  flounced, 
follows  leading  the  worshipper  by  the  hand.  There  are  eight  lines  of 
inscription  in  six  cachets.  The  inscription  reads  : 

AMEL  (DINGIR)  SAK-KUD 

DURU-SIR 
NITAG-SU 

SERVANT  OF  ADAR 
DURU-SIR 
THY  SERVANT 

43 


(dingir)  i-ne 
(dingir)  en-zu 

LUGAL-LIG-GA 
LUGAL  URU-UNU 
KI-MA 

INE-SIN 
KING-MIGHTY 
KING  OF  UR  (AND 


This  remarkable  cylinder  is  a  royal  cylinder  of  Ine-Sin,  King  of 
Ur,  of  about  2700  b.  c.  Late  evidence  seems  to  bring  the  dynasty  of  Ur 
several  centuries  later. 

No.  62.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
good  condition.  Length ,  2J  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  I 5  mm.  Slightly  concave. 

Seated  bearded  deity  in  a  long  garment,  and  with  a  turban,  holds 
in  his  hand  a  vase.  Behind  the  deity  three  large  dots;  before  him  the 
sun  in  a  crescent,  under  which  is  a  lion  (?)  as  if  crouching  before  his 
lap.  A  bare-headed  worshipper,  in  long  garment,  with  hands  folded 
followed  by  Aa  in  her  usual  attitude  with  hands  raised.  Before  her  is 
the  vase  over  the  “libra.”  Then  follows  a  nude  figure  fighting  an  ibex. 

This  cylinder  belongs  to  the  period  of  Gudea,  perhaps  2300  B.  c. 
The  seated  god  would  seem  from  the  three  dots,  which  may  mean  the 
number  thirty,  to  be  the  moon-god  Sin. 

No.  63.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in 
excellent  condition.  Length ,  24  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  12mm. 

'•fc. 

The  seated  sun-god  Shamash  in  long  robe  and  low  round  cap,  of 
turban,  holding  a  vase.  Above  it  the  sun  in  a  crescent,  and  a  monkey¬ 
like  animal.  Before  him  a  worshipper  in  a  long  robe,  bare-headed,  with 
hands  to  his  breast.  Three  deep  dots,  which  may  indicate  thirty ,  the 
number  of  the  moon-god  Sin.  The  goddess  Aa,  with  hand  raised.  Two 
lines  of  inscription,  which  read : 

ana(dingir)sin-ku-la-shu 

SERVANT  OF  MARTU 

A  fine  cylinder  of  about  the  Gudea  period. 

No.  64.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in 
excellent  condition.  Length ,  2$  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  14mm. 

A  seated  god  in  long  robe  and  turban  holds  a  vase;  above  the  vase 
the  crescent;  before  the  god  a  small  animal  like  a  monkey,  or,  more  likely 
a  goat.  A  bare-headed  worshipper  approaches  the  god,  in  a  long  robe, 
with  hands  to  his  breast.  After  him  follows  the  goddess  Aa  with  hands 
raised — before  her  is  the  “libra.”  There  are  three  lines  of  filiary  inscrip¬ 
tion,  which  read: 


44 


AHUNI 

SON  OF  SHAMASH-SHARBI  , 

SERVANT  OF  SHAMASH 

An  excellent  cylinder  of  the  period  of  Gudea — or  from  2500  to 
2000  b.  c. 

No.  65.  A  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Excellently  wrought  with  the 
point ,  and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  10  mm. 

A  seated  beardless  deity,  in  a  long  garment  and  a  turban,  holds  in  his 
hand  a  small  cup — above  his  hand  a  sun  in  a  crescent.  There  approach 
two  figures,  of  which  the  first  may  be  a  worshipper  with  a  long  garment 
and  hands  to  the  waist;  the  second  the  goddess  Aa.  Then  two  cuneiform 
characters  reading  “Shamash.”  Then  a  figure  nude,  except  for  a  very 
short  garment,  follows  the  god,  resting  a  short  stick,  or  weapon,  on  one 
shoulder,  and  with  the  other  hand  raised.  Finally  a  vase  (Aquarius)  over 
“libra.” 

About  2000  b.  c.,  or  earlier. 

No.  66.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  quartz  crystal.  Length ,  22  mm.;  diameter  of 
end ,  18  mm.  In  excellent  condition. 

The  seated  sun-god  Shamash  holds  a  shallow  vase.  Before  him 
stands  a  worshipper,  behind  him  stands  the  goddess  Aa.  The  remaining 
space  originally  had  an  inscription,  which  has  been  removed  by  a  later 
owner  and  replaced  by  a  poorer  figure  of  Ramman. 

Probably  1500  to  1000  B.  c. 

No.  67.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli.  Length ,  IJ mm.;  diameter  of 
endy  J  mm.  Wrought  with  the  point.  This  cylinder  has  a  fragment  broken  off 
but  not  so  as  to  obscure  the  design  or  to  affect  the  inscription. 

The  seated  god  Shamash  holds  a  vase.  Before  him  stands  a  wor¬ 
shipper,  behind  whom  stands  the  goddess  Aa,  with  hands  lifted.  Before 
her  head  is  the  vase  Aquarius,  and  below  the  “libra.”  Two  lines  of 
inscription  read: 

EA 

DAMKINA 

Carefully  engraved,  and  in  fair  preservation,  although  somewhat 
worn. 

Probably  2000-2500  b.  c. 


45 


No.  68.  A  Babylonian  cylinder ,  of  quartz  crystal.  Wrought  with  the  pointy 
and  much  worn.  The  shape  is  peculiar ,  as  it  is  thickened  at  the  two  endsy  to 
simulate  the  mounting  of  the  cylinder  by  a  cap  on  the  ends.  Lengthy  JO  mm. 
The  ends  are  too  battered  to  measure ,  but  the  thickened  part  near  the  ends  has 
a  dimension  of  ij  mm. 

A  worshipper  is  led  by  the  hand  to  a  seated  god.  There  are  five  lines 
of  somewhat  rudely  cut  and  nearly  effaced  inscription. 

This  cylinder  is  remarkable  for  the  thickened  ends.  This  feature  is 
very  unusual,  but  is  found  in  some  early  cylinders,  and  the  mark  of  the 
thickened  end  is  to  be  seen  in  the  impression  on  some  tablets  of  the 
Gudea  period.  Compare  No.  56. 

No.  69.  A  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  point. 
In  fair  condition  except  where  a  quarter  of  the  surface  is  abraded.  Lengthy 
2 J  mm.;  diameter  of  endt  12  mm. 

A  seated  flounced,  beardless  deity ;  before  him  the  sun  in  a  crescent. 
There  approach  two  figures,  of  which  the  first  is  the  worshipper  with 
hands  crossed ;  the  other  probably  corresponds  to  the  goddess  Shala  or 
Aa.  The  remaining  portion  may  have  been  engraved  by  a  later  owner. 
It  shows  the  libra  (or  vase) ;  an  upright  asp,  a  naked  profile  Gilgamesh, 
with  three  deep  dots  each  side. 

Perhaps  from  2300  to  1500  b.  c. 

The  Rising  Sun  Shamash 

This  peculiarly  imaginative  design  is  of  very  early  origin,  and 
illustrates  how  completely  a  pictorial  composition  may  become  con¬ 
ventionalized.  In  the  earlier  and  more  developed  designs  the  sun-god, 
fully  armed,  with  rays  from  his  shoulders,  comes  out  from  the  gates  of 
morning,  opened  to  him  by  porters,  and  steps  on  the  mountains  of  the 
east.  His  weapon  is  the  primitive  notched  sword,  made  of  flakes  of  flint 
set  in  wood.  In  the  later  art  all  this  is  reduced  to  the  god  holding  his 
weapon,  and  with  one  foot  lifted  on  a  low  stool.  The  following  cylinders 
show  both  the  primitive  design  and  the  later  modifications. 

No.  70.  An  early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
pointy  but  partly  recut  by  a  modern  owner ,  as  it  was  somewhat  worn.  Lengthy 
JQ  mm. ;  diameter  of  endy  2J  mm. 


46 


Between  two  gates,  each  held  by  a  porter,  the  sun-god  Shamash  rises 
by  stepping  on  one  of  two  mountains.  He  has  rays  from  his  shoulders, 
and  his  notched  sword  in  his  hand.  Between  the  two  porters  a  figure 
with  a  club.  All  the  figures  have  two-horned  hats,  and  wear  a  long 
simple  garment. 

The  partial  recutting  does  not  obscure  the  design.  This  design  is 
primitive,  and  the  cylinder  is  probably  as  early  as  3000  b.  c. 

No.  71.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  rather  coarsely 
with  the  point.  Lengthy  i6m?n.;  diameter  of  endy  10  mm. 

The  sun-god  Shamash,  with  rays  from  his  shoulders,  and  carrying 
his  notched  sword,  lifts  his  foot  on  a  mountain ;  in  his  other  hand  a  club 
rests  on  the  ground.  A  porter  opens  the  gates  of  morning. 

This  is  an  unusually  small  example  of  this  very  interesting  and  early 
design. 

Probably  about  3000  b.  c. 

No.  72.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite .  Wrought  with  the  point .  In  good  con¬ 
dition,  except  that  the  inscription  has  been  erased.  Length ,  22  mm.;  diameter 
of  end,  14  mm.  Slightly  concave. 

The  sun-god,  with  notched  weapon  and  foot  on  a  low  stool,  the 
conventional  mountain.  A  bearded  worshipper  carries  a  goat;  the  vase 
over  “libra;”  the  goddess  Aa;  space  for  three  lines  of  inscription. 

This  is  a  characteristic  design  of  the  period  and  may  be  2000  to 
1 500  b.  c. 

No.  73.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in 
excellent  condition.  Length ,  IJ  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  J.ypmm. 

Sun-god  Shamash  standing,  with  notched  weapon,  high  head-dress 
and  foot  on  a  low  projection  conventionally  representing  a  mountain. 
Before  him  a  worshipper  in  long  simple  garment,  with  one  hand  raised. 
A  third  figure  stands  behind,  in  long  simple  dress  and  hand  across  the 
waist;  apparently  a  form  of  the  goddess  Aa.  Two  lines  of  an  inscription, 
which  read : 

SHAMASH 

AA. 

No.  74.  A  Babylonian  cylinder.  Hematite.  Length,  24mm.;  diameter  of  end, 
1 3  mm.  Wrought  with  the  point. 


47 


It  represents  Shamash  standing  with  foot  on  a  reduced  mountain 
and  with  his  notched  weapon  in  his  hand.  Facing  him  is  the  god  Martu, 
holding  a  short  weapon.  Between  them  is  a  small  figure  of  a  worshipper 
carrying  in  one  hand  a  basket  and  in  the  other  a  slender  vase.  Below 
him  is  a  small  monkey-like  animal.  Behind  Martu  is  a  human  head  and 
neck,  and  below  it  a  crook.  Then  follows  the  goddess  Aa,  consort  of 
Shamash,  in  a  long  fringed  garment  and  with  both  hands  raised.  Behind 
her  two  small  figures  of  Eabani  hold  between  them  the  Babylonian 
caduceus,  a  column  with  two  serpents’  heads  and  a  vase  between  the 
two  heads.  Above,  a  lion  attacks  a  kneeling  figure,  behind  which  is  a 
second  standing  figure  with  arms  raised. 

This  cylinder  is  excellently  engraved  and  in  fine  preservation. 

Probably  about  1500  b.  c. 

No.  75.  A  cylinder  of  hematite ,  engraved  with  the  point ,  clear  where  not 
battered ;  fragment  broken  off  of  the  lower  end.  Length ,  2 3  mm.;  diameter  of 
end ,  J2m?n. 

The  sun-god  Shamash,  with  foot  raised;  the  god  Martu  and  the 
goddess  Aa,  or  Shala.  Before  her  a  porcupine  (or  mouse?),  and,  below,  a 
small  figure  partly  lost  in  the  fracture.  Shamash  appears  to  carry  two 
fishes  by  a  cord,  instead  of  his  usual  weapon.  Above  is  a  seated  monkey. 
The  remainder  of  the  design  is  in  two  registers.  The  upper  has  two 
figures,  one  of  Shamash  with  foot  raised,  the  other  uncertain,  perhaps 
the  goddess  Zirbanit.  The  lower  register  has  the  figures  reversed,  and 
shows  a  lion  walking,  over  a  humped  ox,  and  before  him  a  rampant 
animal. 

One  or  two  other  cases  are  known  where  a  god  carries  a  string  of 
fish.  Perhaps  2000  b.  c. 

No.  76.  Babylonian  cylinder.  Hematite.  Finely  wrought  with  the  point ;  in 
fair  condition.  Length ,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  iomm. 

The  sun-god  Shamash,  with  notched  weapon,  and  foot  raised  on  a 
diminutive  mountain,  receives  a  worshipper  carrying  a  goat  for  offering. 
Behind  the  god  the  worshipper’s  naked  servant  carries  in  one  hand  a 
vase,  and  in  the  other  a  pail  or  a  basket.  Behind  the  worshipper  is  the 
thunderbolt  emblem  of  Adad,  and  under  it  a  small  figure  of  the  nude 
goddess  Zirbanit.  Then  follows  the  goddess  Aa,  wife  of  Shamash,  and 
behind  her  is  a  second  female  figure  in  flounced  dress  carrying  perhaps 
a  vase. 


48 


This  is  a  characteristic,  well  engraved  cylinder  of  the  Middle  Baby¬ 
lonian  period,  of  from  2500  to  2000  b.  c. 

No.  77.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in 
excellent  condition.  Lengthy  22  mm.;  diameter  of  endt  11  mm. 

Worshipper  presents  a  goat  to  Shamash,  who  carries  a  small  ring  in 
his  hand.  There  is  a  nude  kneeling  figure  between  a  lion  and  a  dragon, 
which  has  his  mouth  open  to  swallow  him. 

Perhaps  2300-2000  B.  c. 

This  might  equally  have  been  classed  with  Nos.  46-49. 

The  Sun-god  and  The  Bird-man 

One  of  the  most  distinctive  designations  of  the  sun-god  Shamash 
was  that  of  Daianuf  or  Judge  of  gods  and  men.  Sometimes  in  the  earlier 
cylinders  we  have  the  figure  of  the  bird-man  led  forcibly  before  the 
god.  Usually  the  god  is  seated,  but  the  following  is  one  of  the  rare 
cases  in  which  he  is  standing  with  streams  supposed  to  come  from  a  vase 
in  his  hands,  and  with  his  foot  on  a  mountain.  We  have  already  had 
the  unique  cylinder.  No.  60,  in  which  the  bird-man  is  brought  before 
the  seated  sun-god  Shamash  hanging  from  a  staff  on  a  god’s  shoulder. 

No.  78.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with  the  point 
and  in  good  condition.  In  the  hole  are  remnants  of  the  copper  core.  Lengthy 
1 6  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  Q  mm. 

The  sun-god  Shamash,  in  an  unusually  short  garment,  with  foot  on 
a  high  stool  representing  a  mountain;  streams  from  his  shoulders,  and 
fish  by  the  stream  behind  him;  before  him  flounced  Aa  with  but  one 
hand  raised;  a  deity  with  a  two-horned  head-dress,  a  long  garment  and 
the  serpent  weapon  over  the  shoulder,  pushes  before  him  the  felon  bird- 
man,  bringing  him  for  judgment  by  Shamash,  who  is  known  as  the 
“judge  of  gods  and  men.”  Behind  them  a  worshipper  brings  a  goat  as 
offering. 

I  know  only  one  other  very  early  cylinder  in  which  it  is  the  standing 
Shamash  with  streams  instead  of  the  sitting  Shamash  who  receives  the 
bird-man.  Perhaps  3000  b.  c. 


H 


49 


The  Winged  Gate  Over  a  Bull 


The  present  collection  contains  the  unusual  number  of  seven  cylin¬ 
ders  which  present  the  rare  design  of  the  winged  gate  over  the  couchant 
bull.  In  the  more  complete  scenes  a  deity,  apparently  a  goddess,  sits  on 
one  side  of  the  gate,  and  a  worshipper  kneels  on  the  other  side,  and  each 
grasps  a  stream,  or  cord,  which  falls  from  under  each  wing  of  the  gate. 
No.  79  seems  to  be  the  oldest  of  all,  and  the  gate  takes  a  very  peculiar 
triangular  form.  In  two  of  these  cylinders,  Nos.  84  and  85,  we  have  a 
very  exceptional  variation.  The  bull  is  walking,  and  in  No.  85  there 
is  no  seated  deity.  These  cylinders  are  apt  to  be  much  worn.  It  is 
impossible  to  explain  the  meaning  of  the  winged  gate,  which  occurs 
also  on  some  Hittite  cylinders. 

No.  79.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shelly  very  much  corroded ,  so  that 
the  design  is  not  easily  made  out.  Wrought  with  the  point.  Lengthy  38 mm.; 
diameter  of  the  end,  22  mm. 

In  place  of  the  winged  gate  over  the  crouching  bull,  we  have  a  large 
acute  angle  with  wings,  point  downward,  and  between  the  lines  at  the 
top  a  succession  of  lines  like  those  that  form  the  wings.  On  one  side  a 
seated  flounced  deity,  on  the  other  a  kneeling  figure,  with  hands  reached 
forward  to  seize  a  stream  proceeding  from  the  side  of  the  triangle. 

This  cylinder  is  valuable  for  its  age,  and  especially  for  the  variation 
from  the  gate  found  on  all  other  such  cylinders.  What  the  gate  with 
wings  means,  or  the  stream,  is  quite  enigmatical. 

Probably  3500  b.  c. 

No.  80.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shelly  very  much  corroded.  Wrought 
with  the  pointy  and  in  portions  lost  by  the  corrosion.  Lengthy 3  2  mm.;  diameter 
of  endy  1 6  mm. 

A  winged  gate  over  a  crouched  bull,  the  wings  each  like  three  simple 
branches.  A  worshipper  standing  on  each  side,  with  one  hand  extended 
to  the  top  of  the  wing,  the  other  reaching  forward;  a  third  worshipper 
behind  them.  The  whole  very  difficult  to  make  out. 

This  cylinder,  although  so  nearly  ruined,  is  yet  valuable  as  showing 
the  extreme  antiquity  of  this  rare  design,  with  its  enigmatical  wings 
of  the  gate. 

Perhaps  3500  b.  c. 


50 


PLATE  IX 


I 


PLATE  X 


. 


- 


No.  81.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shell.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and 
much  worn.  Length  jgmm.;  diameter  of  end ,  24mm. 

A  winged  gate  over  a  recumbent  bull.  On  one  side  a  seated  deity 
extends  the  hand.  On  the  other  side  a  nude  kneeling  figure  reaches  out 
his  hand.  A  crescent  and  a  star. 

The  shell  as  material  indicates  the  extreme  antiquity  of  this  design 
which  was  so  early  lost,  as  it  never  appears  except  in  the  earlier  art. 
Perhaps  3500  to  3000  b.c. 

No.  82.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  white  marble.  Wrought  with  the  point , 
but  much  worn ,  so  that  the  heads  of  the  two  figures  are  lost.  Length,  31  mm. ; 
diameter  of  end,  IJ  mm. 

A  winged  gate  over  a  bull;  on  one  side  a  seated  goddess;  on  the 
other  a  kneeling  bearded  figure.  A  stream  flows  from  under  the  wing  of 
the  gate  and  passes  over  the  head  of  the  bull  and  is  seized  by  the  goddess. 
Perhaps  3500  to  3000  b.c. 

No.  83.  An  early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  green  serpentine ,  Engraved  with 
the  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  11  mm. 

A  flounced  goddess  seated  holding  a  vase  before  a  bull  lying  down, 
above  which  is  a  winged  gate,  the  upper  part  of  which,  above  the  wings, 
has  two  cross  lines.  There  are  two  crescents,  one  over  the  goddess’  head 
and  the  other  under  one  wing. 

Probably  3000-2500  b.c. 

No.  84.  Archaic  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
point,  and  somewhat  worn.  Length,  23  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  13  mm. 

A  winged  gate  over  a  walking  animal  (not  as  usual  with  the  bull 
crouched  down),  on  one  side  a  nude  figure  with  a  bird-like  human 
head  seems  to  crawl  away,  on  one  knee;  or,  more  likely,  to  await  the 
attack  of  a  running  nude  figure  bent  far  forward  to  meet  him.  A  smaller 
animal  follows  the  animal  under  the  gate,  which  latter  seems  to  be 
attached  by  a  rope  about  its  neck  to  an  object  in  a  boat,  towards  which 
the  lower  part  of  a  man,  lacking  the  head,  seems  to  be  reaching. 

The  meaning  of  this  very  ancient  cylinder  is  difficult  to  make  out. 
It  is  quite  unique.  Probably  3500  b.  c. 

No.  85.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  white  marble.  W rought  with  the  point, 
in  bad  condition ,  one-third  lost.  Length,  23  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  13  mm. 


51 


A  gate  with  short  angular  wings,  over  a  standing  bull.  Before  the 
bull  the  skirt  is  left  of  an  apparently  seated  goddess.  Perhaps  another 
seated  figure  the  other  side  of  the  bull.  The  bull  here  is  standing,  an 
unusual  attitude. 

Perhaps  3500  b.  c. 

The  God  with  the  Serpent  Body 

Among  the  rarer  designs  of  the  older  Babylonian  period  is  that  of 
the  seated  god  with  serpent  body.  There  may  be  a  gate  behind  him,  and 
a  worshipper  led  by  attendant  deities  approaches,  perhaps  presenting  an 
offering.  It  is  not  certain  who  the  deity  is,  perhaps  Ea,  perhaps  Nin- 
gishzida,  who,  in  a  single  known  cylinder  in  this  collection,  has  serpents 
rising  from  his  shoulders  (fig.  1 1 8). 

No.  86.  An  early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
pointy  and  in  good  condition.  Lengthy  2gmm.;  diameter  of  end,  1 $  mm.  Surface 
concave. 

A  bearded  god  in  sitting  attitude,  but  the  lower  part  of  the  body  a 
coil  of  a  serpent,  holds  a  vase  in  his  hand.  Behind  him  a  gate,  and  before 
him  a  goddess  with  looped  hair  leads  a  worshipper  by  the  hand. 

It  is  uncertain  who  this  deity  is,  perhaps  Ea.  Probably  3000  b.c. 

No.  87.  An  early  Babylonian  cylinder ,  of  hard  black  serpentine,  concave. 
Wrought  with  the  point.  Length,  32  mm.;  diameter,  igmm. 

A  seated  bearded  god,  the  lower  part  of  his  body  a  serpent.  He  wears 
a  low,  irregular  cap,  and  his  hand  is  lifted.  Above  his  hand  is  a  very 
much  flattened  crescent.  Before  him  approach  three  figures,  bearded, 
in  a  long  simple  garment,  and  with  hand  lifted.  There  are  two  lines  of 
interspersed  characters.  This  cylinder  appears  to  have  been  sophisti¬ 
cated  by  sharpening  some  of  the  lines. 

Probably  3000  B.  c. 

The  Goddess  with  Child 

Only  five  cylinders  are  known  which  present  this  design  of  the 
goddess  holding  a  child  on  her  knees;  one  of  these  is  in  this  collection. 
It  is  not  at  all  certain  that  this  is  meant  to  represent  a  mother  and  child, 


52 


for  we  know  of  no  such  goddess  referred  to  in  the  texts.  It  is  quite  as 
likely  that  the  owner  of  this  seal  is  represented  as  nursed  and  fondled 
by  the  goddess.  The  goddess  would  probably  be  Bau. 

No.  88.  Early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
pointy  and  considerably  worn.  Lengthy  Ji mm.;  diameter  of  end,  18 mm. 
Slightly  concave  on  the  surface. 

A  seated  flounced  deity,  in  a  two-horned  head-dress,  holding  a  vase, 
with  a  clothed  child  on  her  lap.  Above  are  a  crescent  and  a  star.  Before 
her  a  beardless  figure  in  a  long  garment,  with  one  hand  raised,  and  the 
other  over  a  tall  vase.  The  god  Shamash,  with  his  foot  raised  very  high 
over  a  conventional  mountain.  Two  lines  of  inscription  which  read: 

GAL-RU-UB-ILU 
SON  OF  LANI 

Fortunately  this  cylinder  is  not  so  much  worn  that  we  cannot  make 
out  the  design,  the  goddess  and  the  child.  There  being  in  Babylonian 
religion  no  special  mother  and  child  like  Isis  and  Horus,  it  is  probable 
that  this  represents  the  goddess  as  dandling  the  owner  of  the  seal.  The 
four  other  cylinders  known  with  this  design  represent  the  child  as  nude, 
and  it  is  unique  that  the  child  is  clothed.  About  3000  b.  c. 

Nergal  and  Allat 

The  following  cylinder  is  one  of  only  two  known  which  contain 
the  scene  of  the  god  Nergal  attacking  the  goddess  Allat  in  Hades.  This 
example  adds  to  the  other  the  representation  of  the  god  as  surrounded 
with  rays,  thus  making  him  a  sun-god,  which  agrees  with  the  character 
of  Nergal,  god  of  the  noonday  and  summer  heat,  and  so  of  destruction, 
disease  and  war. 

No.  89.  Babylonian.  Green  serpentine.  Length,  22  mm.;  diameter  of  end, 
1 3  mm.  Wrought  with  the  point. 

A  flounced  goddess  is  seated  under  a  tree  which  is  bent  down  to 
cover  her.  A  god  with  rays  from  his  shoulders  grasps  the  tree  by  the 
branches  to  attack  the  goddess.  A  worshipper  stands  with  hand  lifted. 

This  cylinder  has  one  of  the  rarest  designs,  as  only  one  other  is 
known,  that  in  the  Louvre.  The  latter  has  a  more  developed  design, 
as  it  also  represents  the  god  standing  before  the  goddess  under  the  tree. 


1 


53 


The  goddess  is  probably  Allat,  who  rules  the  underworld.  The  god  is 
Nergal  who  attacks  her  in  the  underworld,  but  is  placated  and  marries 
her.  The  present  cylinder  has  rays  from  the  shoulder  of  the  god,  showing 
him  to  be  a  sun-god,  such  as  Nergal  was. 

Probably  of  about  3000  b.  c. 

The  Goddess  Ishtar 

In  the  very  archaic  forms  of  the  goddess  Nana,  Ishtar,  or  Venus, 
as  seen  in  No.  90,  a  sheaf  of  alternate  clubs  and  serpent  weapons  rises 
from  each  shoulder.  Such  examples  are  very  few  indeed,  and  No.  90, 
although  broken,  is  one  of  the  best  of  these.  The  later  conventional 
form  shows  a  quiver  of  arrows  from  each  shoulder.  Frequently  the 
goddess,  in  the  Middle  period,  stands  on  one  or  two  lions,  and  holds  the 
serpent  scimitar  of  Marduk  and  the  Babylonian  caduceus,  as  in  No.  9 1 . 

4 

No.  90.  A  very  early  Babylonian  cylinder  of  white  limestone ,  the  lower  half 
lost.  Length  of  fragment,  21  mm.;  but  the  entire  cylinder  would  have  been  as 
much  as  30  to  33  mm.  long;  diameter  of  end,  23  mm.  Well  cut  with  the  point , 
and  the  remaining  portion  worn  but  distinct. 

Head,  shoulders  and  arm  of  the  goddess  Ishtar,  in  a  two-horned  hat, 
and  three  alternate  weapons,  clubs  and  scimitar,  from  each  shoulder. 
A  goddess  with  a  long  tress  behind  and  in  a  two-horned  hat,  with  head 
turned  back,  leads  a  worshipper  carrying  a  goat  as  sacrifice.  There  were 
two  broad  lines  of  illegible  inscription. 

This  fragment  is  of  special  value  as  it  is  one  of  the  very  few  cylinders 
which  give  us  this  early  form  of  the  goddess  thus  armed.  The  weapons 
are  quite  distinct.  Perhaps  3000  b.  c. 

No.  91.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  nephrite  [jade).  Wrought  with  the  point,  and 
in  excellent  condition  except  for  a  crack  which  scarcely  disfigures  it.  Length, 
32  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  igmm. 

The  goddess  Ishtar  in  front  view,  in  a  long  garment,  one  foot 
advanced  and  resting  on  a  lion,  or  dragon;  she  wears  the  high  hat,  has 
arrows  rising  above  her  shoulders  from  the  quivers  on  her  back,  lifts  in 
one  hand  the  Babylonian  caduceus,  with  its  two  serpents,  and  holds 
downward  in  the  other  the  serpent  scimitar.  Facing  her  is  Martu 


54 


PLATE  XI 


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PLATE  Xll 


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in  his  short  garment,  and  holding  his  rod,  or  wand  in  one  hand,  the 
other  hanging  beside  him.  The  goddess  Shala  (or  Aa)  follows  with 
hands  raised.  There  are  four  lines  of  inscription  which  read: 

IMGUR-SIN 

PASHISHU  OF  BELIT. 

SON  OF  ILU-NI-BA-AB-DU. 

SERVANT  OF  BAU. 

This  admirably  engraved  cylinder  is  peculiar  for  its  material,  which 
was  probably  brought  from  Asia  Minor.  Probably  2000  to  1 500  b.  c. 

M ar  duk 

Marduk,  better  known  as  Merodach,  or  Bel  Merodach,  or  as  Bel 
with  the  Dragon,  was  the  tutelary  god  of  Babylon,and  with  the  suprem¬ 
acy  of  that  city  became  the  chief  of  the  pantheon.  He  is  less  often 
represented  in  art  than  Shamash,  and  is  to  be  recognized  by  the  com¬ 
posite  animal  on  which  he  stands,  and  by  his  sickle-shaped  scimitar. 
The  two  appear  in  the  following  cylinder.  No.  93  maybe  referred  to 
Marduk,  or  possibly  to  the  earlier  Bel  Illil  whom  Marduk  replaced. 
He  carries  Marduk’s  scimitar,  but  he  leads  a  lion  by  the  nose,  and 
carries  in  his  hand  the  Babylonian  caduceus,  of  two  serpents  and  a  vase, 
sometimes  borne  by  Ishtar. 

No.  92.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length ,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  10  mm. 

Marduk  with  scimitar  stands  on  his  serpent-headed  dragon ;  behind 
him  a  vertical  serpent;  before  him  a  worshipper,  then  a  star;  an  upright 
seated  jackal  (or  monkey),  and  Aa.  Probably  2000-  1500  b.  c. 

No.  93.  A  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point.  Length , 
23  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  12  mm.  In  fair  condition. 

The  god  Marduk,  with  scimitar  and  caduceus,  has  his  foot  raised 
like  Shamash  and  resting  on  a  lion  led  by  a  cord  as  Adad  leads  a  bull. 
A  worshipper  in  a  long  garment,  followed  by  the  goddess  Shala.  A 
naked  attendant  behind  the  god  carries  a  rod  or  lance. 

There  appears  here  to  be  a  confusion  between  Marduk  and  Adad 
and  Shamash,  as  the  god  has  elements  of  all.  Perhaps  2000  to  1 500  b.  c. 


55 


No.  94.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  iy  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  8  mm. 

Marduk  with  his  scimitar;  a  worshipper  (or  a  god)  holding  a  vase 
from  which  a  stream  falls  into  a  vase  on  the  ground ;  a  servant  in  a  short 
garment,  carries  a  vase  and  a  pail ;  a  tortoise. 

The  tortoise  is  very  seldom  represented.  The  gushing  vase,  from 
which  a  stream  falls  into  another  vase,  may  represent  the  god  Ea. 
Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

Ea 

Ea,  one  of  the  first  trinity,  consisting  of  Anu,  Illil,  or  Bel,  and  Ea, 
was  god  of  the  ocean,  but  is,  like  the  two  other  gods,  seldom  represented 
in  art.  He  carries  a  vase  of  water  with  flowing  streams,  and  stands  on  a 
goat-fish,  or  capricorn.  This  collection  has  one  characteristic  example. 

No.  95.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  a  black  slaty  stone.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
and  in  good  condition.  Length,  21  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  IJ  mm.;  surface 
slightly  concave. 

Flounced  god,  apparently  Ea,  on  a  goat-fish,  or  capricorn,  holds 
a  vase  from  which  a  stream  falls  to  the  ground,  and  over  which  is  a 
fish.  The  god  Marduk  holds  a  scimitar.  Before  him  is  a  crescent  over  a 
“libra;”  also  a  worshipper  in  a  long  garment,  with  one  hand  raised. 
Then  follows  a  lion-headed  deity  lifting  a  dagger  in  one  hand,  and  with 
the  other  lifting  a  human  figure  by  the  foot;  a  small  monkey-like  figure. 

The  figure  of  the  water-god  Ea  is  identified  by  the  goat-fish,  the 
streaming  vase,  and  the  fish.  The  fish  takes  the  place  of  the  usual  vase 
accompanying  the  “libra.”  The  lion-headed  god  may  be  either  Nergal 
or  Ninib.  Perhaps  1500  b.  c. 

Ad  ad 

Adad  is  a  western  deity  taken  from  the  Syro-Hittite  people  as  early 
as  2000  b.  c.  He  is  frequent  in  Hittite  art,  and  is  seen  in  Nos.  244-249. 
But  the  Babylonians,  who  from  a  very  early  period  were  familiar  with 
the  representation  of  the  forked  thunderbolt,  gave  him  this  weapon 
instead  of  the  various  weapons  assigned  to  him  in  the  Hittite  art.  As 
god  of  thunder  as  well  as  lightning,  he  leads  the  bellowing  bull  by  a 
cord  attached  to  a  ring  in  his  nose. 

5^ 


No.  96.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  wheel , 
and  in fair  condition.  Length ,  20mm .;  diameter  of  end,  8  mm.  Slightly  concave. 

Adad  with  hand  over  his  head,  and  foot  on  a  bull  led  by  a  cord,  lifts 
a  trident  thunderbolt.  A  worshipper  brings  an  animal.  Shamash  holds 
the  Egyptian  standard,  with  three  dots  each  side  instead  of  cross  lines. 
A  vase  over  “libra.”  A  worshipper.  Border  line  below. 

Perhaps  1000  b.c. 

No.  97.  A  Babylonian  cylinder  of  Middle  period,  of  hematite.  Wrought  with 
the  point  ( except  the  dots)  and  in  excellent  condition.  Length,  ig  mm.; 
diameter  of  end,  IO  mm. 

The  god  Adad  stands  on  a  bull  led  by  a  cord  attached  to  its  nose, 
and  holds  over  his  head  a  weapon,  and  in  his  hand  the  cord  and  a 
thunderbolt.  Before  him  stands  a  worshipper  with  hand  raised.  Then 
follow  two  deities  separated  by  a  vertical  line,  the  first  a  goddess,  like 
Aa,  or  Shala,  then  Martu,  then  three  large  deep  dots.  This  cylinder 
may  be  of  a  period  from  1500  to  1000  b.  c. 

No.  98.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  22  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  12mm.  Slightly  concave. 

Seated  god  holds  a  vase;  before  him  a  crescent  over  a  monkey  (?)  on 
a  stand.  A  bare-headed  figure  with  hands  folded  approaches,  followed 
by  a  second  wearing  a  turban.  The  god  Adad  stands  on  a  bull,  led  by  a 
cord,  and  before  him  is  a  star. 

This  cylinder  seems  to  be  more  Babylonian  than  Hittite,  and  may 
be  1800-1200  b.c.  Said  to  have  come  from  the  Hauran. 

No.  99.  A  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
good  condition.  Length,  23  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  11  mm.  Surface  slightly 
concave. 

Adad  with  thunderbolt  leads  a  bull  by  a  cord.  Martu  and  Shala 
his  wife.  Four  lines  of  interspersed  filiary  inscription.  It  reads: 

HU-ZA-LUM 

SON  OF  ABU(M)MA-GA 

SERVANT  OF  ADAR. 

t 

Perhaps  2000  to  1500  b.c. 


1C 


57 


No.  100.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
excellent  condition.  Length,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  iomm. 

Adad  in  the  garment  and  attitude  of  Shamash,  with  foot  on  stool, 
lifting  scimitar  of  Adad  over  his  head  and  holding  thunderbolt  in  other 
hand.  A  worshipper  with  hand  lifted,  a  fish  (?)  and  the  inscription 
“Shamash,  Aa.” 

Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  101.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite .  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  iQ.y  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  8  mm. 

The  god  Adad  leads  a  bull  by  a  cord ;  before  him  a  crutch ;  a  rude 
straddling  figure  with  hand  raised;  a  straight  rod  ending  in  an  object 
like  a  pomegranate,  and  a  second  curved,  with  an  oval  top,  which  might 
be  a  serpent. 

This  is  a  peculiar  cylinder,  and  it  may  not  be  Babylonian.  Perhaps 
iooo  b.  c. 

Martu 

The  god  of  the  West,  Martu,  is  also  known  as  Ramman,  or  Adad. 
But  we  have  also  known  the  god  of  lightning  and  storm  as  Adad,  and 
there  may  have  been  confusion  with  the  Babylonians.  The  deity  seen 
in  the  following  cylinders  was  introduced  from  the  Syro-Hittite  region 
and  is  to  be  seen  in  Nos.  229-236  among  the  Hittite  deities. 

No.  102.  A  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Length,  22  mm.;  diameter  of 
end,  g  mm.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good  condition. 

The  god  Martu  and  his  wife  Shala  face  each  other.  Between  them 
above,  is  the  sun  in  the  crescent,  and  below  is  a  crook.  There  are  two 
lines  of  inscription,  which  read: 

(dingir)  en-lil  (or  bel). 

(dingir)  nin-lil  (or  belit). 

Probably  of  about  2000  b.  c. 

No.  103.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Only  a  fragment  is  preserved. 
Wrought  with  the  point,  and  what  remains  is  in  good  condition.  Length, 
1$  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  12  mm. 


87 

PLATE  XU! 


Figures  of  Martu  and  his  wife  Shala.  Remaining  figure  or  figures 
lost.  There  are  two  lines  of  inscription  and  part  of  a  third.  It  reads: 

TO  NIN-SHAH 

(by  the)  faithful  priest  of  anna 

PA  TESI  OF  ...  . 

Unfortunately  the  name  of  the  city  of  which  the  owner  of  the  seal 
was  the  ruler  is  missing.  Probably  from  2300  to  2000  b.  c. 

No.  104.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  soft  serpentine ,  dyed  blue.  Wrought  with  the 
point ,  and  in  fair  condition ,  but  probably  a  part  of  the  inscription  ground  off. 
Lengthy  27  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  17  mm. 

The  god  Martu  and  his  wife  Shala  face  each  other.  Between  them 
are  two  short-skirted  figures,  one  over  the  other.  A  line  of  inscription 
each  side  of  a  line  including  three  heads  or  masks  of  the  goddess  Belit, 
or  Ninkharshag,  and  a  fourth  imperfect  one.  A  portion  of  the  cylinder 
uninscribed  has  probably  been  ground  off.  The  inscription  reads : 

NU-ESH-SIN 

SERVANT  OF  ZI-IM-ZI  .... 

The  row  of  heads  is  peculiar  and  unusual.  Date  2000  to  1000  b.  c. 

No.  105.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  micaceous  iron.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and 
in  good  condition ,  except  where  the  figure  of  Shala  has  been  corroded.  Lengthy 
27 mm.;  diameter  of  endy  14  mm.  Surface  concave. 

Martu  and  Shala  face  each  other,  with  a  small  monkey-like  animal 
between  them  and  a  slender  animal  above  Shala’s  head.  Three  lines  of 
inscription,  which  read: 

TO  MARTU 
GREAT  LORD 
MIGHTY  LORD. 

Probably  2000  to  1000  b.c. 

No.  106.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  quartz  crystal,  with  needles  of  rutile. 
Wrought  with  the  point ;  the  lower  end  of  the  inscription  freshly  broken , 
ends  battered  and  worn.  Length ,  27  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  14mm.  Surface 
slightly  concave. 


59 


Figures  of  Martu  and  his  wife  Shala;  between  them  a  crook  over 
a  small  figure  of  the  goddess  Zirbanit;  a  crescent  and  three  lines  of  a 
broken  inscription,  too  fragmentary  to  admit  translation. 

This  cylinder  is  of  value  for  its  material.  Quartz  with  needles  of 
rutile  is  said  to  be  found  at  Nedjef,  and  the  Arabs  call  it  the  hair  of 
Mohammed  and  Ali  as  they  trimmed  their  beards. 

Perhaps  1 500  b.  c. 

No.  10 1 .  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite .  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  fair 
condition.  Length ,  IQ  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  Qmm. 

A  lion-headed  eagle  of  Lagash,  in  heraldic  form,  over  a  dog.  A 
figure,  probably  a  worshipper,  in  long  simple  robe  and  low  cap,  has 
his  hand  extended  towards  a  god  like  Martu,  in  short  garment,  but 
with  his  hands  raised.  Between  them  a  crescent  over  a  crook.  Then 
Shala  with  hand  raised. 

The  lion-headed  eagle  is  unusual.  Perhaps  2000  b.  c. 

4 

A  A-S  H  AL  A 

This  goddess  appears  rather  frequently  on  the  cylinders.  She  wears 
a  long  flounced  garment,  and  a  long  plait  of  hair  falls  down  close  to  her 
back.  When  she  appears  with  Shamash  she  is  his  wife  Aa;  when  with 
Martu  she  is  his  wife  Shala.  When  by  herself  it  is  impossible  to  tell 
which  she  is. 

No.  108.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
excellent  condition.  Length,  2J  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  IJ  ?nm. 

Two  figures  of  Aa-Shala  facing  each  other;  between  them  three 
lines  of  filiary  inscription,  which  read: 

NA-BI-ILI-SHU 

SON  OF  .  .  .  .  AN-NA-ZA-GA 

SERVANT  OF  NIN-SHAKH. 

This  may  be  2000  to  1500  b.c. 

No.  109.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  green  and  red  sard.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
and  in  good  condition,  except  as  there  is  a  fracture  in  the  lower  end,  where  it 
does  no  damage.  Length,  2Qmm.;  diameter  of  end,  15  mm. 


60 


Two  figures  of  Aa  facing  three  lines  of  filiary  inscription  which  read : 

A-NE-ILI-SHU 

SON  OF  SIN-TAK-KU-ESH-SHI 
SERVANT  OF  THE  GOD  I-SHUM. 

About  1500  B.C. 

No.  110.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  gneiss  [quartz  and  hornblende).  Wrought 
with  wheel  and point ,  and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  32  mm.;  diameter  of  end , 
20  mm.  Slightly  concave. 

Two  figures  of  Aa  facing  each  other,  on  each  side  of  an  inscription 
of  three  lines,  which  reads : 

I-BA-  -RUM 

SON  OF  BAR-NI-SHU-NU 

SERVANT  OF  NERGAL. 

The  material  is  quite  unusual.  Perhaps  1000  b.c. 

No.  111.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  -green  jasper  mottled  with  white.  Wrought 
with  the  point  ,and  in  good  condition  ^except  that  the  inscription  has  been  effaced. 
Lengthy  32  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  IJ  mm.  Slightly  concave. 

Aa  repeated  faces  an  inscription  of  three  lines  that  has  been  effaced. 
Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  1 12.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  calcined  breccia  agate.  Wrought  with  the 
pointy  but  the  cracking  of  the  burnt  stone  has  caused  some  flaws.  Lengthy 
33  mm.;  diameter  of  endy  igmm.  Surface  somewhat  concave. 

Three  lines  of  inscription,  and  a  figure  of  the  goddess  Aa  on  each 
side  of  the  inscription  and  facing  it;  a  large  vacant  space.  The  inscrip¬ 
tion  reads: 

TO  NERGAL 


The  cylinder  is  of  interest  for  its  unusual  material. 

Zirbanit 

Zirbanit,  wife  of  Marduk,  not  infrequently  occurs  with  other  deities 
on  the  cylinders.  A  number  of  examples  occur  in  this  collection.  She 
is  nude,  usually  with  the  face  as  well  as  the  body  in  front  view,  and  with 


L 


61 


her  hands  to  her  breast.  It  is  probable  that  this  goddess,  as  well  as  Adad 
and  Martu,  was  introduced  from  the  West,  and  was  not,  under  this  form, 
an  original  Babylonian  deity.  The  same  may  be  true  of  Marduk. 

No.  113.  Babylonian  cylinder  of hematite .  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length ,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  gmm. 

Martu  with  his  hand  behind  him,  a  worshipper;  Zirbanit. 

Perhaps  1500-1000  b.c. 

No.  1 14.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  IQ  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  g  mm. 

A  Babylonian  caduceus,  on  one  side  of  which  is  the  nude  goddess 
Zirbanit;  and  on  the  other  side  a  standing  god  with  one  hand  raised; 
before  her  a  worshipper,  with  one  hand  raised.  A  vase  (Aquarius)  over 
the  “libra;”  a  bird  over  a  dancing  figure;  a  crescent  and  a  crook. 
Perhaps  1500  to  1000  b.c. 

No.  115.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  black  slaty  stone.  Wrought  with  wheel  and 
point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  3 1  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  13  mm.  Slightly 
concave.  Coarsely  engraved. 

A  border  line  near  the  bottom.  The  nude  Zirbanit,  with  face  in 
profile;  also  the  thunderbolt  of  Adad  over  a  bull.  On  one  side  the  figure 
of  Aa  with  the  hands  raised;  and  on  the  other  two  similar  figures,  the 
nearer  one  with  but  one  hand  raised.  Over  the  thunderbolt  a  small  object 
which  may  be  a  bird;  and  below  a  small  dancing  figure  and  a  “libra.” 
The  goddess  in  profile  follows  the  Western  style. 

Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

The  God  with  the  Crook 

It  is  by  no  means  certain  who  the  deity  is  that  is  represented  in  the 
following  cylinder.  The  square  hat,  such  as  was  worn  by  Hittite  god¬ 
desses,  and  the  beardless  face  suggest  a  goddess.  The  animal  on  which 
the  foot  rests  gives  us  no  help.  The  deity  may  be  Nebo. 

No.  116.  Babylonian,  or  Syrian,  cylinder  of  hematite.  Mostly  wrought  with 
the  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  24.3  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  g.3  mm. 

A  god  in  a  high  square  hat,  in  a  long  garment,  and  with  foot  raised 
on  a  gazelle,  lifts  a  crook.  Two  figures  approach  with  hand  raised;  a 
bird.  Border  line  below. 


62 


PLATE  XVI 


1 


■*  •  *• ' 


This  is  somewhat  rudely  engraved;  the  square  hat  suggests  Syro- 
Hittite  influence.  Perhaps  1000  b.c. 

In  the  following  cylinder  there  is  no  god  that  can  be  definitely 
recognized. 

No.  117.  Babylonian  cylinder  of hematite .  Wrought  with  wheel  and  point,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length,  28  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  14mm.  Surface  somewhat 
concave. 

Three  roughly  engraved  figures,  one  in  a  short  garment,  two  in  long 
garments,  one  of  whom  has  a  high  hat.  Between  them  two  dancing  bow- 
legged  figures,  one  over  the  other.  Three  lines  of  filiary  inscription, 
which  read: 


SERVANT  OF  BA-NI-GAL-ME-NI 

Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

Ningishzida 

We  may  fairly  assume  that  this  deity,  with  serpents  rising  from  his 
shoulders,  is  Ningishzida,  who  was  the  attendant  of  Ningirshu,  and 
much  worshipped  by  Gudea.  In  the  two  other  cases  known  the  serpents 
rise  from  the  shoulders  of  the  god,  but  in  this  case  the  body  of  the  god 
is  entwined  by  the  bodies  of  the  serpents.  No  other  cylinder  is  known 
with  this  deity,  although  a  tablet  in  the  Louvre  has  the  impression  of 
the  god  with  serpents  from  his  shoulders,  and  the  Berlin  Museum  has 
a  bas-relief  which  includes  him.  We  are  indebted  to  M.  Heuzey  for 
this  recognition,  as  for  many  other  discoveries  in  Oriental  art.  A  deity 
such  as  this  may  well  be  the  source  of  the  Mithraic  figure  of  a  god 
entwined  with  serpents,  and  of  a  Cretan  serpent  deity. 

No.  1 18.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  8.5  mm. 

The  god  Ningishzida,  probably,  with  serpent  rising  from  each 
shoulder,  and  coiled  about  the  body,  is  in  front  view,  and  with  hands 
folded.  On  one  side  a  fly  over  a  fish,  and  on  the  other  a  thunderbolt. 
Next  to  the  thunderbolt  stands  Zirbanit  nude,  with  hands  folded,  and 
beyond  her  is  the  vase  over  a  “  libra.”  On  the  other  side  of  Ningishzida 

(>3 


Marduk  stands  with  his  scimitar,  and  there  faces  him  a  bare-headed 
worshipper  carrying  a  basket  and  with  one  hand  raised,  over  the  hand 
a  tortoise. 

This  unique  cylinder  is  perhaps  of  2000  b.  c. 

The  two  following  very  minute  cylinders  of  lapis  lazuli  might  perhaps 
have  been  classified  elsewhere,  but  as  the  designs  are  not  very  distinctive 
they  are  placed  here.  Of  these  No.  1 1 9,  probably  the  smallest  engraved 
cylinder  in  any  collection,  would  appear  to  be  archaic,  if  we  may  judge 
from  the  fringed  garments,  but  the  presence  of  the  fish  suggests  a  much 
later  period.  The  other  is  probably  later  but  of  uncertain  age. 

No.  119.  A  very  minute  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with 
the  point.  Length ,  6  mm.;  diameter  of  endy  4  mm. 

The  design  shows  two  human  figures,  in  long  skirt,  with  hand 
raised — also  a  fish  and  perhaps  a  fly,  over  an  ibex. 

This  and  the  next  are  of  the  very  smallest  known,  and  thus  very 
unusual.  Perhaps  1000  b.c.,  or  it  may  be  much  earlier. 

No.  120.  A  minute  Babylonian  cylinder  of  lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with  the 
point.  Lengthy  g  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  6  mm. 

An  attendant  deity  leads  a  worshipper  to  a  standing  deity  who  holds 
a  vase.  Above  the  deity  is  a  crescent,  and  below  it  is  a  bird  like  a  crane. 
Behind  the  deity  is  a  crescent  on  a  column  with  two  short  lines  attached 
below  the  crescent  on  each  side.  The  figures  are  all  beardless. 

The  crutch-like  column  is  an  ashera  that  represents  the  moon-god 

Sin. 

Probably  a  period  about  1000  b.c. 

The  Kassite  Style 

The  type  of  the  Kassite  period  is  recognized  by  several  cylinders  in 
the  Metropolitan  and  other  collections  which  bear  the  names  of  Kassite 
Kings.  They  belong  to  the  Middle  period  of  the  Second  millenium  b.c. 
They  are  characterized  by  long  inscriptions,  mostly  prayers  to  the  gods, 
so  that  they  would  seem  to  have  something  of  the  character  of  amulets. 
There  is  a  different  style  of  dress  and  new  emblems,  especially  the  Greek 
cross,  a  symbol  of  the  sun.  We  may  suppose  that  this  new  influence  came 
with  the  Kassite  dynasty  from  Elam. 

64 


No.  121.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  the  Kassite  period,  of  chalcedony.  Wrought 
with  the  pointy  and  in  good  condition.  Lengthy  jy  mm. ;  diameter  of end ,  I y  mm. 

Marduk  with  his  scimitar  in  his  hand  behind  his  back,  and  a  fly 
behind  his  head.  Eight  lines  of  inscription,  which  read: 

BELONGING  TO  UR  - 
MISH-URUMI. 

SON  OF  ABI  -  IMMUTA. 

IN  COMMAND  OF  HIS  LORDSHIP. 

NERGAL 
MAY  HE  HEAR. 

SHAMASH 

MAY  HE  LIFT  UP. 

This  is  a  good  example  of  the  prayers  on  these  Kassite  cylinders. 
About  1 500  b.  c. 

No.  122.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  the  Kassite  type.  Wrought  with  the  pointy  in 
excellent  preservationt  of  Amazon  stone  ( green  felspar).  Lengthy  28  mm.; 
diameter  of  end,  12  mm. 

A  worshipper,  with  one  hand  raised,  with  a  tall  conical  hat,  and 
long  simple  garment.  Seven  lines  of  inscription,  addressed  to  the  god 
Sin  by  a  servant  of  Im-tuk  .... 

About  1500-1300  b.  c. 

No.  123.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  the  Kassite  period,  of  blood-stone ,  black  with 
red  spots.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in  excellent  condition.  Length,  30  mm.; 
diameter  of  end,  n.y  mm. 

Marduk,  in  long  garment,  holding  his  scimitar  downward.  Six  lines 
of  inscription,  which  read: 

O  GODDESS  OF  E-AN-NA 
GUARD,  PRESERVE 
SPARE  (FOR  LONG  LIFE) 

THE  SERVANT  WHO  FEARS  THEE, 

ZABRA 

SON  OF  INDIM. 

This  cylinder  is  distinctly  of  the  Kassite  type,  and  may  be  1400- 
1 300  b.  c. 


No.  124.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  the  Kassite  type ,  of  a  blue  opaque  glass — in 
fair  condition ,  except  for  portions  where  the  glass  has  been  dissolved  out. 
Wrought  with  the  point.  Length ,  24  mm. ;  diameter  of  endy  12  mm. 

A  standing  god  in  a  long  robe,  with  hand  extended.  An  animal 
(dog  ?)  before  him ;  a  cross  and  five  lines  of  inscription. 

The  material  is  very  unusual.  It  may  be  of  1500  to  1000  b.c. 
The  inscription  has  been  considerably  damaged  by  the  injury  to 
the  glass,  making  it  impossible  to  provide  a  satisfactory  translation ; 
but  it  appears  to  be  late  Kassite. 

No.  125.  Babylonian  cylinder ,  of  the  Kassite  period ,  of  finely  mottled  red  and 
white  jasper.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in  fair  condition.  Length ,  32  mm. ; 
diameter  of  end ,  16  mm. 

A  seated  god,  in  long  garment,  holding  a  vase,  his  seat  over  two 
human-headed  bulls.  Before  him  a  worshipper  in  a  long  garment,  with 
one  hand  extended,  a  line  of  inscription  between  the  god  and  the 
worshipper.  Seven  lines  of  filiary  inscription,  reading : 

MA-AN-BARGINI-MARDUK 

THE  DIVINER 

SON  OF  IRIBA-MARDUK 

FAMILY  OF  ISIN 

BORN 

AT  BABYLON 

CHIEF  SERVANT  OF  THE  GOD  MARDUK 
AND  THE  GODDESS  GULA. 

This  interesting  cylinder  belongs  to  the  period  of  Kassite  domina¬ 
tion,  and  is  probably  about  1400  b.  c. 

No.  126.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  shelly  yellow  and  brown  marble.  Wrought 
with  the  point  and  wheel ,  and  in  fair  preservation.  Length ,  2 3  mm. ;  diameter 
of  end ,  8  mm. 

A  figure  in  long  garment  appears  to  hold  on  his  hand  a  large 
crescent-shaped  vessel,  over  which  is  a  big  dot.  A  small  man  in  front, 
and  three  lines  of  inscription,  which  read : 


ILUBANETE 
AN-NA 
BI  ■  .  i . . 

This  cylinder  is  in  the  Kassite  style,  and  may  be  1400  to  1 200  b.  c. 
The  material,  crowded  with  broken  shells,  is  unique. 

No.  127.  Babylonian  cylinder,  perhaps  of  the  Kassite  period,  or  perhaps  later, 
of  iridescent  glass.  Length,  40  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  16  mm. 

In  good  condition,  except  the  figure  of  a  man,  or  god,  partly  lost. 
Border  lines ;  a  mutilated  figure  of  Marduk,  probably ;  ibex  couchant 
over  a  couchant  winged  animal.  Three  lines  of  inscription. 

This  very  unusual  cylinder  of  glass  is  too  tender  to  take  an  impression 
of  it  and  is  not  pictured. 

Thick  Marble  Cylinders 

We  have  here  a  class  of  cylinders  more  easily  classified  than  localized 
in  place  or  time.  On  account  of  their  rudeness,  and  their  lack  of  inscrip¬ 
tions  they  have  been  placed  among  the  most  archaic,  but  this  is  very 
doubtful.  The  larger  ones  are  of  white  marble,  and  the  smaller  ones 
usually  of  pink  marble,  and  we  have  here  an  example  in  bronze.  They 
are  probably  Southern  Babylonian,  judging  from  the  region  from  which 
they  are  reported  to  have  come. 

No.  128.  A  Babylonian  cylinder  of  white  marble,  only  partly  pierced.  Rudely 
wrought  with  the  wheel,  in  excellent  condition.  Length,  36  mm.;  diameter  of 
end,  32  mm. 

A  gateway,  or  shrine,  and  two  bulls.  This  cylinder  belongs  to  an 
enigmatical  class,  which  has  been  regarded  as  very  archaic.  More 
probably  it  is  about  1000  b.  c. 

No.  129.  Babylonian  cylinder  of white  marble.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
good  condition.  The  shape  of this  cylinder  is  peculiar.  The  upper  end  is  reduced 
to  a frustum  of a  cone.  Length,  2Qmm.  (21+8);  diameter  of  one  end,  20  mm., 
of  the  other  end,  1  o  mm. 

The  cylindrical  portion  contains  two  ibexes  and  a  gate,  or  shrine. 
The  remaining  portion  is  covered  with  a  decoration  of  angles,  each 
entering  into  the  previous  one.  There  is  the  same  decoration  in  the 
shrine. 

MX 


t>7 


This  belongs  to  the  class  of  thick  cylinders  which  have  no  inscrip¬ 
tion,  and  which  Menant  regarded  as  extremely  early;  but  this  is  not 
likely.  Perhaps  2000  to  1000  b.  c. 

No.  130.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  soft  black  serpentine.  Coarsely  wrought  with 
wheel  and  point;  in  excellent  condition.  Length ,  26  mm.;  diameter  of  endy 
25  mm. 

A  goat  (?),  a  deer  and  an  ibex ;  four  vertical  lines  with  cross  lines  at 
the  top;  four  circles  with  short  radiating  lines,  one  of  them  at  the  summit 
of  a  vertical  line  with  a  deep  dot  at  the  lower  end;  a  rude  star. 

This  belongs  to  the  class  of  thick  cylinders,  the  origin  of  which  is 
still  doubtful.  Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  131.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  white  marble.  Wrought  with  the  wheel ,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length ,  28  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  24  mm. 

Two  deer  and  three  dots  before  each.  The  holeisnot  pierced  through. 
Origin  and  date  uncertain.,  Perhaps  1 000  b.  c.  ;  possibly  much  earlier. 

No.  132.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  white  marble.  Wrought  with  the  wheel,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length, 36  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  IQ  mm. 

A  large  scorpion,  and  a  simple  branch,  or  tree. 

It  is  not  certain  that  this  is  strictly  Babylonian.  It  may  be  of  a  period 
less  than  1000  b.  c. 

No.  133.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  green  soft  serpentine.  Wrought  with  point  and 
drill.  Length,  25  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  2 3  mm.  In  good  condition. 

The  design  consists  of  three  ibexes,  of  which  the  middle  one,  bearded, 
has  the  long  horns  bent  downward,  and  the  two  others,  not  bearded, 
have  the  horns  bent  upward.  There  is  also  a  simple  tree,  and  there  are 
some  uncertain  lines. 

This  belongs  to  this  enigmatic  class  of  very  thick  cylinders,  gen¬ 
erally  of  soft  red  marble,  when  small,  as  in  the  two  next  numbers,  but 
in  this  case  green  serpentine.  Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  134.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  pink  marble.  Very  coarsely  wrought  with  the 
wheel,  in  good  condition.  Length,  24  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  24  mm. 

The  upper  register  has  five  figures  very  rudely  drawn,  seated  before 
vases.  The  lower  register  has  apparently  seven  two-necked  vases,  and 
two  with  a  rod  rising  from  them. 


68 


The  meaning  of  all  this  is  very  doubtful,  as  well  as  the  date.  Perhaps 
IOOO  b.  c. 

No.  135.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  pink  marble.  Wrought  with  drill  and  point, 
very  coarsely ;  in  good  condition.  Length,  IQ  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  IQ  mm. 

Two  very  rude  seated  figures,  or  two  standings  third  object,  possibly 
human  (or  animal) ;  two  posts,  dots,  and  a  crossed  border  below,  in  part, 
and  shorter  above. 

Perhaps  i  ooo  b.  c.,  possibly  earlier. 

No.  136.  Babylonian  cylinder,  of  black  serpentine.  Rudely  and  deeply  wrought 
with  drill  and  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  IJ  mm.;  diameter  of  end, 
1 6  mm. 

Three  ibexes,  of  which  two  have  the  head  turned  back  towards  the 
third.  Also  an  ibex’s  head  and  several  deep  dots. 

This  cylinder  also  is  of  the  class  of  thick  cylinders,  so  difficult  to 
locate.  Perhaps  i  ooo  b.  c. 

The  next  cylinder  belongs  in  shape  and  material  to  those  just  con¬ 
sidered;  but  its  art  is  different,  being  somewhat  carefully  wrought  with 
the  point,  and  with  a  full  design.  Its  period  and  provenance  are  quite 
doubtful. 

No.  137.  Apparently  an  early  cylinder  of uncertain  origin, possibly  Babylonian, 
but  more  likely from  a  region  about  Assyria,  as  it  is  of  a  soft  dark  grey  serpen¬ 
tine.  Wrought  with  the  point,  somewhat  rudely ,  and  in  good  condition.  Length, 
28  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  2J  mm. 

Two  vertical  intertwined  serpents,  with  heads  at  the  top,  and  a 
slender  waving  line  (or  tail  ?)  from  the  bottom  each  side.  A  squat  nude 
figure,  perhaps  a  god,  holds  in  one  hand  a  club,  or  wand,  and  in  the 
other  holds  out  what  may  be  a  stalk  of  wheat.  Above  him  are  the  heads 
of  animals,  and  below  him  a  fish  and  perhaps  a  leg  of  meat,  while  a  nude 
figure  presents  to  him  an  animal  held  by  the  tail ;  a  second  scene  shows 
a  nude  man  lifting  an  animal  by  the  tail,  holding  also  its  neck;  opposite 
him  a  second  nude  figure  holds  a  paddle-shaped  object;  between  them 
a  fish  and  a  dagger;  rude  animals’  heads;  also  two  more  intertwined 
serpents. 

This  very  curious  cylinder  shows  the  presentation  of  food  to  a  deity, 
or,  quite  as  likely,  to  the  dead  in  Hades.  If  Babylonian  it  would  be  over 
3000  b.  c.,  but  later  if  from  the  Assyrian  neighborhood. 

69 


Elamite  Cylinders 


The  two  following  cylinders  perhaps  belong  to  the  Elamite  region. 
No.  1 3  5  is  of  the  light  green  serpentine  of  which  some  Elamite  cylinders 
are  made.  The  two  are  of  the  same  rude  type  of  art,  but  No.  138  has 
at  a  later  period,  probably,  been  covered  with  a  delicate  cuneiform 
inscription.  M.  de  Morgan  regards  the  Elamite  art  as  very  primitive. 

No.  138.  Elamite  (?)  cylinder  of  light  green  serpentine.  Very  rudely  wrought 
with  the  wheel t  and  in  good  condition.  Lengthy  39mm. ;  diameter  of endy  12mm. 

A  very  rude  bull  or  cow,  followed  by  a  smaller  one  lying  down. 
A  fish  above  and  a  double  oval ;  some  dots. 

This  cylinder  much  resembles  some  brought  by  M.  de  Morgan  from 
Susa  and  is  of  the  same  material  —  perhaps  1500  b.  c.,  perhaps  very 
much  older. 

No.  139.  Elamite  (?)  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  wheel 
and  point  very  rudely.  Lengthy  41  mm.;  diameter  of  endy  9.3  mm. 

Two  ibexes  and  other  uncertain  small  objects ;  the  spaces  with  thin 
small  inscriptions  which  are  probably  later  and  are  reversed  on  the  cast. 
The  date  of  such  a  cylinder  as  this  is  very  doubtful. 


70 


ASSYRIAN  CYLINDERS 


ASSYRIAN  cylinders  can  generally,  if  not  always,  be  distin¬ 
guished  from  those  that  are  properly  Babylonian.  The  earlier 
^  ones  are  usually  of  a  softer  serpentine,  and  rather  large,  and  in 
length  a  little  more  than  twice  the  diameter  of  the  end.  The  later  ones 
may  be  of  any  material,  but  more  frequently  of  chalcedony.  The  designs 
vary  markedly  from  the  Babylonian,  showing  native  motives,  and  a 
certain  influence,  at  least  in  the  later  times,  from  the  Egyptian,  through 
the  art  of  the  intermediate  nations.  Such  are  the  winged  disk,  the  tree 
of  life,  the  seven  dots,  the  rhomb,  the  angular  decorations,  the  sphinx, 
and  the  various  forms  of  the  fight  between  Bel  and  the  Dragon. 

Doubtful  Assyrian  Cylinders 

The  following  cylinders  may  not  be  Assyrian — but  they  have 
Assyrian  alliance : 

No.  140.  Perhaps  Assyrian ,  or  of  some  outlying  country,  of  black  serpentine. 
Wrought  with  the  point,  very  coarsely,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  jg  mm. ; 
diameter  of  end,  20  mm. 

Three  ibexes  with  curved  horns;  a  star,  and  two  birds  (?). 

It  is  impossible  to  fix  the  age  of  such  rude  work.  Very  likely 
IOOO  b.  c. 

No.  141.  Assyrian  (?)  cylinder,  of  soft  gray  serpentine.  Wrought  with  wheel 
and  point,  quite  coarsely,  and  in  excellent  condition.  Length ,  25  mm.;  dia?neter 
of  end,  12  A  mm- 

An  eagle  with  wings  spread  between  two  triangular  hills  made  of 
small  squares ;  a  double  line  with  cross  lines  passes  under  the  eagle  and 
over  the  hills. 

It  is  impossible  to  locate  this  cylinder  very  certainly  either  in  time 
or  place.  It  apparently  comes  from  some  one  of  the  ruder  regions  about 
Assyria,  and  may  be  2000-  1000  b.  c. 


7* 


No.  142.  Probably  Assyrian  cylinder  of  soft  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
pointy  very  rudely ,  but  in  fair  condition ,  as  it  is  deeply  engraved.  Lengthy 
2Q  mm. ;  diameter  of  end ,  1 1  mm.  But  probably  one  end  has  been  losty  with  the 
corresponding  border. 

A  border  of  two  lines,  with  a  succession  of  large  equilateral  triangles 
between  them.  The  figures  are  not  easy  to  make  out,  but  probably  a 
vase  on  a  stand  within  two  vertical  lines,  and  a  slender  kneeling  figure 
before  it.  There  is  a  vertical  column,  and  by  it  a  flaw  in  the  stone. 

The  interesting  thing  about  this  cylinder  is  the  border,  which  is  of 
a  very  old  Assyrian  style.  Perhaps  2000  b.  c. 

No.  143.  Assyrian  (?)  cylinder  of  soft  gray  serpentine .  Coarsely  and  deeply  cut 
with  the  point;  in  good  condition.  Lengthy  2J  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  iomm. 

Within  border  lines  are  two  registers  separated  by  a  line.  In  one 
are  three  long-legged,  long-necked  birds  with  head  turned  back,  and 
a  third  uncertain  object  consisting  of  a  line  bent  double,  like  a  cup  on 
its  side,  and  a  line  within  it.  The  other  register  is  reversed;  there  is  a 
bird  in  the  same  attitude,  a  scorpion,  a  tree  or  an  oval  object. 

This  cylinder  is  of  most  uncertain  period,  but  probably  quite  early. 

No.  144.  Perhaps  an  Assyrian  cylinder  of  the  Syro-Hittite  regions.  A  gray 
material y  perhaps  terra-cotta.  Length, 32  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  11  mm. 

Three  fishes  diagonally  across  the  surface.  A  number  of  pecked, 
small  triangles,  and  two  wedges  crossing  three,  and  other  wedges. 

Probably  1000  to  500  b.  c. 

The  Older  Assyrian  Style 

A  number  of  early  Assyrian  cylinders  are  here  grouped,  although 
the  designs  are  by  no  means  the  same.  They  are,  with  one  exception, 
all  of  soft  serpentine.  We  have  the  worshipper  before  a  deity  or  before 
an  altar  in  Nos.  145-148;  before  the  winged  disk  or  sacred  tree  in 
No.  149  (an  early  example);  the  sphinx  either  worshipped  or  shot  by 
an  archer  inNos.150-152;  the  sphinx  again  and  a  hunting  scene  in  1 5  3 . 

No.  145.  Perhaps  a  very  early  Assyrian  cylinder  of  unusual  elongated  form , 
such  as  we find  in  very  early  Babylonian  cylinders.  Gray  serpentine.  Length , 
4Q  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  Q  mm.  Bather  deeply  and  coarsely  cut. 


72 


There  are  two  registers,  as  is  usual  in  these  long,  slender  cylinders, 
separated  by  three  lines.  The  upper  register  has  a  beardless  deity,  prob¬ 
ably  Bau,  seated  over  a  swan,  or  goose.  Two  figures  approach,  the  first 
an  attendant  deity  leading  the  worshipper.  The  attendant  deity  holds 
in  the  hand  a  vase  with  two  spouting  streams.  Behind  the  seated  deity 
is  a  scorpion,  and  there  are  several  other  small  indeterminate  objects.  In 
the  lower  register  are  three  swans. 

This  cylinder  may  be  of  a  period  2000  b.  c.,  or  earlier. 

No.  146.  An  early  Assyrian  cylinder ,  of  soft  black  serpentine,  somewhat 
convex.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  ji  mm.; 
diameter  of  endy  1 1  mm. 

There  are  border  lines,  consisting  of  parallel  diagonal  lines,  at  some 
distance  from  the  ends.  Within  them  a  high  stand,  with  a  vase  at  the  top, 
on  the  left  a  figure,  probably  a  god,  in  a  long  garment,  and  a  low  square 
hat,  with  one  hand  raised,  and  holding  with  the  other  a  bow,  and  with 
a  club-like  weapon  hanging  behind  from  his  belt.  On  the  other  side  an 
attendant  in  a  long  garment,  bareheaded,  and  apparently  with  a  queue 
reaching  to  the  ground,  lifts  in  one  hand  what  may  be  a  fly-flap  over 
the  vase,  and  with  the  other  possibly  holds  a  bow.  There  are  three 
three-rayed  stars,  or  wedges,  and  also  a  simple  tree. 

Such  cylinders  as  this  are  valuable  to  illustrate  early  worship  as  also 
the  weapons  in  use.  Probably  2000  b.  c. 

No.  147.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length, 37  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  / 1  mm.  Surface  slightly  convex. 

Wide  border  above  and  below,  of  a  succession  of  angles.  A  vase  on 
a  high  stand;  on  one  side  a  bearded  god,  in  a  long  Assyrian  garment 
holds  in  left  hand  a  bow,  and  his  right  hand  is  raised  in  recognition 
of  a  worshipper  with  hand  raised.  Behind  them  a  star  and  a  vertical 
comb-like  object  over  an  early  form  of  the  tree  of  life.  A  crescent.  The 
worshipper  seems  to  hold  up  a  trident-like  object. 

This  is  one  of  the  early  cylinders,  of  native  origin,  perhaps  not  purely 
Assyrian.  Perhaps  2000  to  1 500  b.  c. 

No.  148.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  soft  gray  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
and  in  good  condition.  Length,  I ’/mm.;  diameter  of  end,  8  mm. 

A  seated  deity,  beardless,  in  a  flounced  dress  reaching  to  the  ankles, 
holds  in  the  hand  a  bent  tube,  as  if  drinking  from  a  large  vase  with  three 


N 


73 


•i 


cross-lines.  Within  the  bend  of  the  tube  a  small  vase,  Aquarius,  and  the 
“libra.”  Next  a  peculiar  altar  or  table,  having  two  straight  and  two 
curved  legs,  on  which  rests  a  construction  bordered  with  two  sides  bend¬ 
ing  in  at  the  top,  and  six  shelves  within;  a  round  dot  each  side  at  the  top. 
Then  a  figure,  a  worshipper  probably,  with  a  very  wide  fringed  garment 
and  both  hands  raised. 

This  very  peculiar  cylinder  suggests  that  it  may  be  of  the  primitive 
Assyrian  period.  The  flounced  garments  are  too  long  for  the  primitive 
Babylonian  period ;  nor  do  the  dimensions  belong  to  that  period,  nor  * 
the  material. 

Perhaps  2500  to  2000  b.  c. 

No.  149.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  reddish  jaspery  stone.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
and  somewhat  worn.  Length ,  42  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  16  mm.  Somewhat 
convex  towards  the  ends. 

Two  registers  separated  by  two  lines.  In  the  upper  one  a  winged 
disk  over  a  simple  tree  of  life,  with  four  branches  each  side ;  on  each  side 
a  figure  in  a  long  garment  holds  a  staff  in  one  hand,  the  other  raised. 

A  worshipper  holding  a  staff  stands  before  a  standing  god  holding  a 
bow ;  one  vertical  line.  In  the  lower  register  two  bulls  on  one  knee  face 
each  other ;  between  them  a  large  star ;  behind  them  the  seven  dots  of 
the  Igigi,  over  a  rhomb,  or  oval. 

This  is  probably  a  rather  early  cylinder  of  the  Assyrian  type,  prob¬ 
ably  2000  to  1500  b.  c. 

No.  150.  An  early  Assyrian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
point,  and  somewhat  worn .  Length,  2<y  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm.  Slightly 
convex,  with  border  lines. 

A  kneeling  figure  shoots  with  a  bow  at  a  sphinx;  a  small  tree. 
Perhaps  1500  b.  c. 

No.  151.  Early  Assyrian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
and  worn.  Length ,  29  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  12  mm.  Slightly  convex. 

Within  border  lines  a  kneeling  figure,  with  a  bow,  shoots  a  sphinx. 

A  small  tree,  crescent  and  star. 

Perhaps  1500  b.  c. 

No.  152.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  dark  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and 
in  fair  condition.  Length,  29  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  12  mm. 


74 


PLATE  XVII 


PLATE  XVIII 


Within  border  lines  an  archer  shoots  a  winged  bull;  a  star,  a  crescent, 
and  small  tree. 

Perhaps  1500  b.  c. 

No.  153.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and 
worn.  Lengthy  yj  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  14mm. 

In  two  registers.  In  the  upper  register  a  hunter  with  a  charioteer 
in  a  four-wheeled  chariot,  and  a  horse  running.  The  hunter  turns  back¬ 
ward,  and  shoots  with  a  bow  at  a  lion  behind  him.  Under  the  horse 
apparently  a  winged  animal.  In  the  lower  register  a  lion-sphinx  walking 
and  a  deer  and  a  tree — a  flaw  in  the  stone  of  softer  material  goes  around 
the  lower  register  somewhat  confusing  the  figures.  The  two  registers 
are  separated  by  a  single  line. 

This  interesting  cylinder  may  be  2000  b.  c.,  but  the  date  is  quite 
uncertain.  This  would  be  a  very  early  appearance  of  the  horse. 

Bel  and  the  Dragon 

Although  the  fight  between  Bel  and  the  Dragon  belongs  to  Baby¬ 
lonian  mythology  and  poetry,  it  did  not  enter  into  art  until  the  Assyrian 
period ;  and  there  it  was  confused  with  the  contest  of  Gilgamesh  with 
wild  beasts.  Artists  used  great  freedom  with  the  figure  of  the  god, 
whether  with  or  without  wings,  and  with  any  weapon  that  pleased  the 
fancy,  or  with  no  weapon,  but  seizing  two  foes,  one  with  each  hand. 
Even  more  freedom  was  taken  with  the  dragon,  which  in  fig.  154 
retains  its  conventional  form,  but  which  may  he  a  bull,  a  lion,  winged 
or  un winged,  an  ostrich,  a  sphinx,  or  a  serpent  as  in  fig.  1 56,  a  cylinder 
often  reproduced,  and  for  a  long  time  the  only  one  known  in  which 
the  evil  spirit  takes,  as  in  Genesis,  the  form  of  a  serpent.  The  British 
Museum  now  has  a  second  example. 

No.  154.  An  Assyrian  cylinder  of  light  bluish  chalcedony ;  coarsely  wrought 
with  the  wheel ,  and  in  excellent  condition.  Lengthy  2J  mm.;  diameter  of  end, 
I2mm. 

Marduk  with  a  bow  shoots  a  fleeing  dragon.  A  winged  disk  over  a 
tree  of  life  and  a  table.  Two  lines  crossing,  and  a  rhomb,  or  lozenge. 
This  is  an  admirable  example  of  the  use  of  two  sets  of  tools  for  cutting, 
the  burr,  or  drill,  which  makes  the  round  holes,  and  the  disk  with  the 


75 


revolving  edge  of  which  the  long  lines  are  made.  It  is  also  of  special 
interest  as  Marduk  and  the  Dragon  both  take  their  conventional  form. 
Perhaps  600  b.  c. 

No.  155.  An  Assyrian  cylinder  of  a  green  mottled  silicious  stone  known  as 
“  mother  of  emerald.  *  ’  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in  good  condition.  Length , 
jj  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  16  mm. 

A  god  in  long  garment  seizes  on  each  side  a  winged  lion-sphinx. 
Between  the  backs  of  the  sphinxes  a  tall  thistle,  with  a  bud  growing 
up  each  side  which  may  represent  the  Tree  of  Life.  On  one  side  of  the 
god,  below,  a  rhomb ;  on  the  other  a  possible  crux  ansata. 

The  design  is  peculiarly  Assyrian.  The  plant,  like  a  thistle,  resembles 
one  that  grows  in  Assyria,  exuding  a  milky  juice  which  forms  a  sort  of 
caoutchouc  and  is  used  as  a  chewing  gum.  I  do  not  remember  this  thistle 
elsewhere  depicted.  The  stone  is  very  unusual.  About  700  b.  c. 

No.  156.  Assyrian  cylinder ,  or from  a  neighboring  region  to  Assyria ,  of  black 
serpentine.  Well  cut  and  in  excellent  condition.  Length ,  16  mm. ;  diameter  of 
end,  10  mm. 

Design  within  border  lines.  Instead  of  the  conventional  dragon,  the 
god  Bel  pursues  a  fleeing  serpent  with  horn  and  ears  and  recurved  lip. 
A  crescent  over  a  rhomb.  Behind  the  god  a  small  kneeling  figure  and 
seven  dots ;  also  a  goddess  with  ring  and  wand. 

This  is  a  famous  cylinder  often  published,  and  known  hitherto  as 
the  Williams  Cylinder.  It  was  for  a  long  time  the  only  known  repre¬ 
sentation  of  the  dragon  in  the  form  of  a  serpent,  as  in  the  Genesis  story. 
A  second  cylinder  of  the  sort  is  now  known,  since  acquired  for  the 
British  Museum.  Probably  1000  to  600  b.  c. 

No.  157.  Northern  Assyrian  cylinder,  of  red  brecciated jasper.  Wrought  with 
the  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  jy  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  14  mm. 

Within  border  lines  a  winged  figure  stands  on  two  ibexes,  lifts  two 
bulls  by  the  hind  leg.  Above  a  dog  running. 

A  very  interesting  material,  and  cut  with  great  vigor.  Perhaps 
1000  b.  c. 


No.  158.  Probably  from  one  of  the  outlying  regions  of  Assyria.  Red  jasper. 
Length,  22  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  11  mm.  Coarsely  engraved  with  the  drill. 


\ 


A  winged  deity  stands  with  hands  raised  to  grasp  a  rampant  ibex  on 
each  side.  A  star  over  the  ibex.  The  god  in  profile  wears  a  high  hat,  and 
a  long  square  garment. 

In  good  condition,  but  indicates  a  very  crude  art,  and  its  provenance 
is  quite  doubtful.  Perhaps  700  b.  c. 

The  Tree  of  Life 

The  Tree  of  Life,  also  called  the  Sacred  Tree,  is  one  of  the  most 
frequent  and  characteristic  objects  depicted  in  Assyrian  art.  It  has  been 
much  misunderstood,  but  it  represents  the  bestowment  of  long  life  and 
other  blessings,  and  thus  corresponds  very  much  to  Fortuna.  The  tree 
was  originally  a  palm,  as  in  fig.  1 59,  which  is  one  of  the  older  cylinders 
of  Assyrian  origin.  It  was  developed  into  the  most  conventional  and 
elaborate  artistic  forms.  The  tree  is  guarded  by  a  beneficent  winged 
genius  who  plucks  off  the  fruit  and  gathers  it  in  a  basket  to  bestow  on 
the  possessor  of  the  seal.  A  very  choice  and  rare  example  is  that  in  No. 
1 60,  where  we  see  the  genius  actually  bracing  himself  against  the  tree 
and  plucking  off  the  fruit  in  a  way  that  leaves  no  doubt  as  to  the  meaning. 
The  protecting  genius  may  take  many  forms,  even  to  that  of  a  sphinx 
in  fig.  164.  The  Tree  of  Life  is  familiar  in  the  Genesis  story,  and  was 
adopted  in  the  art  of  other  and  ruder  nations,  as  in  Nos.  168,1 69,  which 
are  perhaps  Syro-Egyptian. 

No.  159.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  a  slaty  stone.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in 
good  condition.  Length,  38  nun.;  diameter  of  end ,  12mm. 

Border  lines.  A  palm  tree  with  six  branches  and  two  appendages 
on  each  side  above,  and  one  below,  with  a  winged  disk  above  it.  On  one 
side  a  bird  above  and  another  below.  On  each  side  a  winged  figure  hold¬ 
ing  a  cone  and  a  basket.  A  scorpion. 

This  is  one  of  the  earlier  Assyrian  seals  probably.  Perhaps  1 500  b.  c. 

No.  160.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  red  sard.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  excel¬ 
lent  condition.  Length, j>  7  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  1 4  mm. 

The  Tree  of  Life  with  large  fruit  from  five  branches.  A  winged 
eagle-headed  figure  rests  one  foot  against  the  tree  below,  and  with  his 
two  hands  plucks  off  the  fruit.  Two  lines  of  inscription. 


o 


77 


This  is  a  most  remarkable  cylinder,  and  shows  that  the  winged  deity 
is  plucking  off  the  fruit  of  the  tree  for  giving  life  and  fortune  to  the 
owner  of  the  seal.  Perhaps  800-700  b.  c. 

No.  161.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  pink  sard.  Coarsely  engraved  ’with  the  'wheel. 
Length,  46  mm . ;  diameter  of  end,  I 5  mm.  Somewhat  convex.  In  good  condition, 
except for  a  faw  in  the  lower  part  of  one figure. 

The  winged  disk,  over  the  Tree  of  Life,  made  of  seventeen  branches 
below,  and  nine  radiating  above;  on  each  side  a  standing  figure  seizes  a 
stream  falling  from  the  winged  disk;  one  a  god  with  a  hat  surmounted 
by  three  dots,  and  with  a  tassel  behind,  the  other  a  worshipper.  A  star 
over  a  crescent,  and  seven  dots  of  the  Igigi.  Border  lines. 

The  streams,  or  cords,  from  below  the  wings  of  the  disk  represent 
the  connection  with  the  supreme  deity.  About  700-600  b.  c. 

No.  162.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  brown  jasper,  full  of  yellow  spots  of  coral  encir¬ 
cled  with  bright  red.  Rather  rudely  wrought  with  the  wheel,  and  in  excellent 
condition.  Length,  46  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  1 6  mm. 

Border  lines.  The  winged  disk  over  the  tree  of  life,  the  tree  very 
simple,  of  eight  branches  each  side,  ending  with  a  dot.  A  worshipper 
in  simple  garment  each  side ;  crescent  over  the  worshipper ;  star  over  a 
lozenge,  over  a  fish,  over  a  bird. 

The  material  is  very  beautiful  and  is  unique;  apparently  petrifaction 
of  red  coral.  700  to  500  b.  c. 

No.  163.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  black  and  gray  chalcedony.  Wrought  with  the 
point ;  worn  but  clear.  Length,  26.5  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  12  mm. 

Winged  solar  disk  of  Ashur  with  three  heads  of  the  god,  one  on  each 
wing,  supported  by  two  figures  of  Eabani  with  lifted  hands,  each  side 
of  the  Tree  of  Life.  On  one  side  is  a  winged  divine  genius,  with  hand 
extended  and  holding  a  basket,  and  on  the  other  a  worshipper. 

Perhaps  800  b.  c.  Said  to  have  come  from  the  Hauran. 

No.  164.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder,  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
good  condition.  Length,  24.5  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  1 1  mm. 

A  seated  griffin  each  side  of  the  tree  of  life,  and  a  bird  falls  down 
from  above  on  each  side,  as  if  attacking  the  griffin.  A  vertical  rope  pat¬ 
tern,  each  side  of  which  is  a  short-skirted  figure  with  hand  lifted. 

78 


135 


PLATE  XIX 


. 


*' 

*  ' 

■ 


* 

,  - 

. 


* 


- 

/ 

- 


■ 


•  • 


139 


Perhaps  1000  to  700  b.  c.  Said  to  have  come  from  the  Hauran,  but 
indicates  Assyrian  rather  than  Egyptian  influence. 

No.  165.  An  Assyrian  cylinder  of translucent  quartz  crystal.  Length  >2  7  mm.; 
diameter  of  end,  12  mm.  Wrought  with  the  point  very  finely ,  but  rather  thinly . 

The  design  shows  a  Tree  of  Life  above  which  is  a  standing  bird.  It  is 
guarded  above  on  one  side  by  a  griffin,  and  on  the  other  by  a  sphinx, 
while  below  them  is  a  small  ibex.  A  second  design  shows  a  hero  in  a 
short  garment,  face  in  profile,  seizing  with  each  hand  a  lion.  Below 
each  lion  is  a  crouched  bull,  and  on  one  side  a  small  crouched  ibex. 
Above  the  hero  is  the  winged  disk ;  the  wings  long,  and  the  disk  en¬ 
closing  a  cross  representing  the  sun. 

This  beautiful  cylinder  is  in  good  condition  and  may  be  600  b.  c. 

No.  166.  An  Assyrian  cylinder.  Hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point .  Length , 
20  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  Q.3  mm. 

The  design  shows  a  Tree  of  Life,  with  a  star  on  each  side  below, 
guarded  on  each  side  by  a  lion  with  paw  raised  to  the  tree,  and  head 
turned  back.  Above  are  two  scorpions.  This  interesting  cylinder  may 
come  from  one  of  the  outlying  regions  of  Assyria,  and  its  date  may  be 
from  1000  to  600  b.  c. 

No.  167.  Assyrian  cylinder  of lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  wheel, 
and  in  good  condition.  Length,  iq  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  g  mm.  Surf  ace  slightly 
concave. 

A  Tree  of  Life,  of  simple  construction,  and  on  each  side  a  prancing 
lion-sphinx. 

This  cylinder  has  Persian  characteristics,  and  is  probably  about 
500  b.  c. 

No.  168.  Cylinder  of  Egyptian  style ,  of  terra  cotta ,  with  green  glaze ,  moulded 
of  clay.  Length,  3 1  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  13  mm.  Coarsely  wrought,  but  in 
excellent  condition. 

A  tree  of  five  simple  branches,  each  ending  in  a  knob,  grows  from 
a  gate-like  construction.  A  worshipper  in  a  long  garment,  bareheaded, 
faces  the  tree.  Behind  him  is  a  gate;  on  the  other  side  a  deer  with  its 
head  turned  back,  with  diagonal  cross  lines. 

This  cylinder  is  probably  from  Syria,  under  Egyptian  influence,  as 
well  as  Babylonian.  Perhaps  1500  to  1000  b.  c. 


\ 


79 


No.  169.  Cylinder  in  Syro- Egyptian  style ,  of  light  terra  cotta  or  steatite.  In 
good  condition.  Lengthy  21  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  iomm.  Rudely  cut. 

A  tree  with  three  spreading  branches  each  side,  with  rows  of  fruit 
from  them.  A  crab,  over  a  bird  with  wing  lifted;  an  object,  perhaps  a 
scorpion. 

This  seems  to  belong  to  a  class  that  became  popular  during  the 
Egyptian  domination  in  Syria.  Perhaps  1400  b.c. 

The  Assyrian  Adad 

It  would  seem  to  be  the  Assyrian  Adad  who  appears  in  the  three 
following  cylinders  where  we  see  the  standing  god,  in  No.  170,  on  his 
characteristic  bull, and  in  No.  1 7 1  duplicated  for  symmetry, and  attack¬ 
ing  a  figure  which  has  been  called  the  Gorgon,  although  this  may  as  well 
be  a  representation  of  the  Gigantomachia.  The  god  has  bows  from  his 
shoulders  tipped  with  stars. 

4 

No.  110.- Assyrian  cylinder  of  chalcedony,  the  upper  part  reddish.  Wrought 
with  the  wheel,  and  in  good  condition.  The  lower  part  has  a  patch  of  oxidized 
copper  attached  to  it.  Length  34  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  13mm. 

The  goddess  Ishtar  seated  in  a  chair  which  has  four  stars  at  the  back, 
and  under  the  chair  a  lion.  She  holds  in  one  hand  a  ring  of  dots,  while  the 
other  extended  hand  holds  a  scimitar ;  she  has  a  square  head-dress  with 
points.  The  god  Adad,  with  a  bow  from  each  shoulder  stands  on  a  bull. 
Before  Adad  stands  a  worshipper  in  a  long  garmentwith  hands  extended. 
Behind  Adad  the  column  of  Marduk.  Before  the  worshipper  is  the 
winged  disk — also  a  crescent,  and  a  rhomb,  and  border  lines. 

Perhaps  700  b.c.  This  cylinder  is  of  choice  material  and  excellent 
execution. 

No.  171.  This  cylinder  is  perhaps  Assyrian ,  although  it  belongs  to  a  very  small 
class  whose  provenance  is  not  well  established.  It  is  of  black  serpentine.  Length, 
33  mm.;  dia?neter  of  end,  13  m?n. 

A  central  stout  and  gigantic  figure,  which  may  be  called  a  Gorgon, 
or  Giant,  rests  on  one  knee;  the  body  is  scaly;  the  two  hands  rest  on  the 
hips;  the  head,  in  front  view,  is  adorned  with  a  head-dress  like  a  crown, 
and  two  long  artificial  locks  fall  away  on  each  side.  This  figure  on  other 
seals  has  the  feet  split  into  several  divisions.  On  each  side  it  is  attacked  by  a 


80 


deity  like  Adad,  with  one  foot  on  the  creature’s  legs,  and  two  bows  rising 
from  the  two  shoulders.  There  is  a  small  tree,  and  a  crude  worshipper 
with  hands  raised  above  the  head. 

This  peculiar  cylinder  is  probably  of  a  period  more  than  i  ooo  b.  c. 
The  “Gorgon”  is  much  like  the  Gorgon  of  Greek  art. 

No.  172.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  light  brown  chalcedony ,  which  has  been  specked 
withwhite  by  fire.  Wrought  with  wheel  and  point,  and  in fair  condition.  Length , 
JO  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  14mm. 

Within  border  lines  the  god  Adad  standing,  in  a  long  garment,  with 
one  foot  advanced,  and  one  hand  raised,  with  bows  from  his  shoulders 
ending  in  deep  dots,  and  other  weapons  from  his  body ;  behind  him  Ishtar 
similarly  clad,  and  with  a  star  on  her  square  hat,  holds  in  her  hand  a  circle 
of  dots;  between  them  a  column  with  triangular  top  and  streamers;  also 
a  crescent  above.  A  worshipper  stands  before  the  god,  in  long  garment, 
with  hands  extended;  between  them,  above,  a  star,  and  behind  the  wor¬ 
shipper  the  seven  dots  of  the  Igigi,  over  an  ibex  with  a  vertical  horn 
divided  and  bent  at  the  top. 

This  valuable  cylinder  shows  the  effect  of  fire,  and  is  a  good  example 
of  the  treatment  of  two  principal  deities. 

Perhaps  700  b.  c. 

A  Seated  Deity 

In  No.  1 70  we  have  seen  Ishtar  seated  over  a  lion,  with  the  standing 
Adad,  and  in  No.  1 72  we  have  had  the  standing  Ishtar.  In  the  ruder  art 
it  is  not  always  easy  to  distinguish  the  god  from  the  goddess.  We  may 
presume  that  it  is  a  goddess  that  is  intended  in  the  following  cases,  but 
\  we  may  be  far  astray  in  conjecturing  as  to  date  or  even  provenance,  where 
Assyrian,  Egyptian  and  Hittite  motives  are  so  confused,  or  where  the 
artist  may  have  been  quite  untrained  in  the  conventions  of  his  own  art. 

No.  173.  A  primitive  Assyrian  cylinder  of  soft  green  serpentine.  Wrought  with 
the  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  2J  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  ij  mm. 

A  bull  under  a  square  canopy,  and  on  a  construction,  or  altar;  a 
beardless  deity  in  long  flounced  garment,  in  a  round  cap,  holds  to  her 
mouth  a  tube  from  a  vase.  Before  her  a  nude  man  holds  a  vase  which  is 
under  six  dots  (instead  of  seven).  But  a  dot  takes  the  place  of  the  sun  in 
a  crescent.  The  “libra”  and  a  small  vase  and  star. 


P 


8l 


This  cylinder  probably  belongs  to  an  early  period  of  Assyrian  history, 
2000  to  i  ooo  b.  c.,  and  very  likely  to  one  of  the  outlying  provinces.  Yet 
the  dots  seem  to  indicate  a  later  period.  The  bull  may  be  one  emblem 
of  Adad,  like  Aaron’s  “golden  calf,”  and  the  calves,  or  bulls,  set  up  by 
Jeroboam. 

No.  174.  Early  Assyrian  or  Syrian  cylinder,  of  reddish-brown  serpentine . 
Scratched  with  the  point  in  outline ,  and  in  excellent  condition.  Length ,  28  mm. ; 
diameter  of  end ,  jj  mm. 

A  seated  beardless  deity  in  a  high-backed  chair  holds  a  vase  tipped 
to  drink.  Before  her,  at  a  distance,  an  attendant  holding  a  fan.  Between 
them  numerous  small  objects,  a  column  with  triangular  top,  a  dagger, 
an  ibex  lying  down,  two  small  branches,  a  row  of  five  vases,  and  a  sixth 
in  the  hand  of  a  small  figure,  also  a  larger  vase,  a  sun,  consisting  of  a 
circle  with  many  short  radiating  lines,  and  a  dot  within  it. 

This  peculiar  cylinder  belongs  to  the  early  period  of  Assyrian  art, 
but  it  is  not  at  all  clear  that  it  is  from  the  territory  of  Assyria;  very  likely 
from  one  of  the  outlying  provinces.  The  shape  of  the  fan  is  familiar 
in  the  East  to-day.  The  small  objects  represent  offerings  to  this  deity. 
Perhaps  1500  b.  c. 

No.  175.  Phoenician  or  Syrian  cylinder ,  of  iron  ore.  Said  to  have  been found  at 
Tiberias ,  in  Palestine ,  in  a  tomb  with  glass.  Scratched  in  outline  coarsely ,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length ,  2$  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  1 1  mm. 

A  beardless  seated  deity,  holding  a  vase;  the  sun, in  crescent, each  side 
of  his  head;  an  approaching  armless  figure  in  a  garment  to  the  knees,  and 
a  small  standing  figure  between  them;  a  lion  facing  a  quadruped,  with 
paw  lifted.  Under  the  lion  a  winged  sphinx;  a  crux  ansata  and  a  second 
Egyptian  symbol,  over  a  doubled  helix. 

This  naive  work  is  apparently  not  by  a  professional  seal-cutter,  but 
by  an  amateur.  It  belongs  to  a  period  of  peculiarly  strong  Egyptian 
influence,  but  the  period  is  uncertain.  Perhaps  from  1 500  to  800  b.  c. 

No.  176.  A  Syro-Hittite  cylinder ,  of  white  opaque  calcined  chalcedony. 
Coarsely  wrought  with  the  wheel ,  and  in  excellent  condition ,  except  that  a 
fragment  is  chipped  off at  the  bottom .  Length ,  J j  tnm . ;  diameter  of end ,  iymm . 

Within  border  lines,  under  a  rope  pattern,  is  a  tree  of  life,  with  an 
ibex  rampant  on  each  side  above,  and  a  winged  lion-sphinx  below.  A 
nude  winged  female  figure  lifts  with  each  hand  an  antelope  by  the  hind 


82 


150 


144 


147 


149 


148 


PLATE  XXI 


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152 


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154 


156 

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153 


PLATE  XXII 


leg.  A  seated  goddess  holds  a  small  figure  on  her  knee.  Under  her  seat  is 
a  lion, before  her  feet  a  winged  lion-sphinx, above  which  is  a  worshipper. 
A  columnar  object  on  a  tripod. 

These  figures  are  all  rudely  engraved  with  three  sorts  of  revolving 
tools.  Perhaps  600  b.  c. 

No.  177.  An  Assyrian  cylinder  of  chalcedony.  Length ,  20  mm.;  diameter  of 
end ,  8  mm.  Somewhat  barrel-shaped.  Rudely  wrought  with  wheel  or  terebra. 

A  goddess  is  seated  in  a  high-backed  chair.  Before  her  is  a  table, 
with  a  table-cloth,  on  which  are  two  shallow  crescent-shaped  dishes,  or 
objects;  above  are  the  seven  dots  representing  the  seven  Igigi,  or  spirits. 
Beyond  the  table  is  a  columnar  altar  with  flame  rising  from  it,  and  before 
it  stands  a  worshipper  with  hands  raised.  The  worshipper  is  supposed  to 
present  to  the  goddess  the  offerings  on  the  tables  and  altar. 

This  is  a  late  cylinder,  as  shown  by  the  design,  the  workmanship  and 
the  barrel-shape,  and  may  be  of  about  500  b.  c. 

The  following  cylinder  is  notable  for  the  number  of  its  emblems;  the 
column,  or  ashera,  with  the  crescent  of  the  moon-god  Sin,  the  ashera  of 
Marduk,  the  seven  dots,  or  stars,  of  the  Igigi,  the  unusual  form  of  the  tree 
of  life,  and  the  boat-like  objects  within  which  the  worshippers  stand. 

No.  178.  Assyrian  cylinder ,  black  serpentine.  W rought  with  the  point,  and  in 
good  condition.  Length ,  24  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  1 1. $  mm. 

A  high  ashera,  the  end  tipped  with  a  crescent.  On  each  side  a 
worshipper  in  a  long  garment,  with  hand  lifted,  stands  in  a  sort  of  boat, 
with  the  sides  adorned  at  the  top  with  knobs ;  column  of  Marduk,  seven 
dots,  a  column  with  four  groups  of  radiating  curved  lines  at  the  top, 
perhaps  a  tree  of  life. 

The  meaning  ofthe“  boat”  is  problematical.  Perhaps  8 00  to  600  b.c. 

A  certain  number  of  Assyrian  cylinders  contain  only  animals,  or 
mythological  creatures,  which  may  be  fighting.  Such  are  the  three  next. 

No.  179.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  serpentine,  slightly  convex.  Wrought  with  the 
point.  Length, jo  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  1 1  mm.  In  excellent  condition. 

Border  lines  close  to  the  ends.  A  lion  from  behind  charges  a  fleeing 


wild  goat.  A  crescent,  a  large  star,  and  seven  dots  representing  the  Igigi. 
This  cylinder  is  vigorously  conceived,  but  roughly  drawn  on  the  soft 
stone. 

From  1000  to  600  b.c. 

No.  180.  An  Assyrian  cylinder  of  brown  and  white  jaspery  agate.  Length , 
JI  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm.  Coarsely  wrought  with  the  wheel ,  and  in 
good  condition. 

A  winged  short-tailed  quadruped  pursues  two  others  without  wings; 
all  rampant. 

Probably  about  500  b.c. 

No.  181.  Assyrian  or  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the 
point ,  and  in  good  condition.  Lengthy  ijmm.;  diameter  of  end,  Qmm. 

A  sphinx  over  a  lion ;  a  lion,  under  a  bird,  attacks  a  sphinx,  or  griffin ; 
a  rabbit’s  head,  dots  and  uncertain  small  objects. 

This  cylinder  may  be  of  1 500  to  1000  b.  c. 

A  certain  number  of  miscellaneous  cylinders  may  be  here  presented 
which  do  not  easily  yield  to  classification  and  may  be  of  uncertain  period 
or  provenance. 

No.  182.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  28  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

A  winged  monster  with  head  and  neck  of  a  bird,  no  arms,  and  legs 
of  a  man  ;  a  deity  in  a  garment  to  below  the  knees  lifts  an  ibex  by  the 
neck.  A  lion  seated  over  what  is  a  much  reduced  rope  pattern;  over  a 
griffin  and  perhaps  a  rabbit. 

Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  183.  Probably  a  Syrian  cylinder,  or  one  from  the  outlying  regions  of 
Assyria,  of  hematite.  Well  cut  with  point  and  wheel.  Length,  22mm. ;  diam¬ 
eter  of  end,  9.5  mm. 

Within  close  border  lines  a  bird-headed  deity  in  long  loose  robe, 
holds  by  the  hands  two  human-headed  winged  sphinxes.  Between  their 
backs  a  tree  of  life  consisting  of  a  column  surmounted  by  a  rhomb  and  a 
crescent,  with  a  crook  on  each  side,  a  crescent  above,  and  below  a  bull’s 
head  and  a  small  quadruped. 


84 


The  bird-headed  deity,  who  replaces  the  more  usual  form  of  Bel, 
is  unusual,  and  suggests  a  Syrian  origin.  Perhaps  600  b.  c. 

No.  184.  Assyrian  cylinder ,  or  from  the  region  neighboring  Assyria ,  of  soft 
gray  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  point,  but  badly  worn.  Length,  25  mm.; 
diameter  of  end,  15mm.  The  surface  is  concave. 

The  design  consists  of  a  principal  part  of  somewhat  more  than  half 
the  length  of  the  cylinder,  on  which  we  find  a  table,  or  altar,  above 
which,  at  some  distance,  is  a  foot  and  two  other  objects,  perhaps  birds. 
On  the  left-hand  side  is  a  seated  deity,  and  on  the  right  a  short-skirted 
servant  holding  a  vase,  approaches  the  altar;  two  animals  and  small 
objects.  The  upper  and  lower  portions  each  occupy  a  quarter  of  the 
surface  separated  from  the  main  portion  by  lines.  They  have  animals, 
etc.,  mostly  indistinguishable. 

Perhaps  2000  to  1 200  b.  c. 

No.  185.  Perhaps  a  Syro-Hittite  cylinder,  of  hematite.  Worn  but  plain. 
Wrought  with  the  point.  Length ,  ipmm.;  diameter  of  end,  gmm. 

Apparently  a  nude  goddess,  face  in  front  view  like  Ishtar,  each  hand 
raised,  one  holding  a  banner  of  a  sun  in  a  crescent.  On  each  side  a  small 
nude  figure  holds  his  head  back,  and  lifts  one  hand  to  the  hand  of  the 
goddess.  Zirbanit,  nude;  two  small  lions,  facing,  each  with  paw  raised, 
over  two  animals  (rabbits) ;  over  two  small  seated  figures,  and  a  bird. 
Perhaps  a  goat-fish  above. 

Two  small  human  figures  looking  up  and  lifting  the  arm,  are  not 
easily  explained.  Possibly  the  goddess  is  thought  of  as  lifting  the  two  by 
the  hand,  but  this  is  doubtful. 

No.  186.  Cylinder  of uncertain  provenance , perhaps  Assyrian, perhaps  Syrian, 
of  iridescent  glass,  coarsely  engraved,  but  in  fair  condition.  Length,  22  mm.; 
diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

Two  winged  animals  rampant,  facing  each  other. 

Cylinders  of  glass  are  very  unusual.  Because  of  the  fragile  iridescence 
there  is  no  impression  of  this  cylinder  and  it  is  not  pictured. 

The  following  are  rude  cylinders  in  metal.  Occasionally  we  find  a 
cylinder  cast  in  copper  or  bronze,  or  made  of  silver.  It  may  be  that 
they  are  Hittite  or  Cypriote. 


Q_ 


No.  187.  Perhaps  a  Hittite  cylinder ,  of  copper,  slightly  concave.  In  fair 
condition.  Lengthy  16  mm .;  diameter  of  endy  8.$ mm. 

Border  line  above ;  three  crouched  animals,  apparently  goats,  or 
cattle;  a  possible  branch  over  the  body  of  each. 

Cylinders  of  metal  are  extremely  rare.  This  may  be  from  1800  to 
800  b.  c.  We  have  no  means  of  designating  the  age  of  this  cylinder. 
Copper  was  early  found  within  the  Hittite  territory. 

No.  188.  Very  likely  a  Hittite  cylinder ,  of  silver.  Apparently  cast  in  deep  relief 
and  in  good  condition.  Lengthy  Ijmm.;  diameter  of  end,  10mm. 

Border  lines  and  separated  by  a  line  into  two  registers.  The  upper  has 
four  crouched  bulls  and  two  circles.  The  lower  has  eight  objects  of 
uncertain  meaning,  consisting  of  a  deep  round  head  and  two  legs,  one 
bent  inward  at  the  bottom. 

This  cylinder  is  interesting  for  its  material,  silver,  which  was  much 
valued  in  Hittite  work.  Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  189.  This  cylinder  cast  in  metal ,  perhaps  an  alloy  of  silver  and  copper , 
is  of  uncertain  age  and  nationality.  It  may  be  of  early  Susian  origin.  Length , 
16  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

The  design  simply  represents  a  rude,  deeply  engraved  quadruped, 
and  three  lines,  one  of  which  is  a  zigzag. 

The  material  gives  this  cylinder  its  interest.  Probably  1500-1000 
b.  c. 


86 


163 


164 


162 


159 


165 


160 


PLATE  XXI II 


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[68 


[69 


PLATE  XXIV 


172 


CYPRIOTE  CYLINDERS 


THE  art  of  the  Cypriote  cylinders  is  almost  always  very  rude  and 
has  both  Egyptian  and  Babylonian  elements,  as  well  as  those 
native  to  the  island.  The  following  seem  to  belong  to  this  style. 

No.  190.  Cylinder  of  Egyptian  style,  of greenish  glazed  earthenware.  Lengthy 
25  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  1 1  mm.  In  good  condition ,  but  of  rude  workmanship . 

A  rude  standing  figure  has  the  hand  raised  before  a  linear  column 
crossed  by  three  stars  each  of  three  lines  crossing.  On  the  other  side  a 
a  large  bird  with  lifted  wing  and  spread  tail  above  and  below  the  tail  a 
similar  star. 

This  cylinder  may  be  Cypriote  or  possibly  Syrian.  Probably  about 
1000  b.  c. 

No.  191.  Cypriote  cylinder  of  hematite.  Cut  with  the  pointy  and  in  good  condi¬ 
tion.  Lengthy  21.5  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm.  Surf  ace  slightly  concave. 

Within  border  lines,  a  slender  tree  of  life  with  three  long  divergent 
branches :  on  each  side  is  a  figure  in  long  simple  garment,  with  one  hand 
toward  the  tree,  but  the  head  turned  backward.  The  one  to  the  right  of 
the  tree  the  head  of  an  ibex ;  the  other  a  human  head,  a  tall  hat  with 
long  horns  and  three  knobbed  rays  of  weapons  from  one  shoulder.  He 
(or  she)  reaches  one  hand  toward  a  rampant  ibex ;  another  figure,  nude, 
with  a  similar  tall  hat,  and  with  two  cow’s  horns  reaches  the  hand  on 
each  side  to  seize  an  ibex. 

This  cylinder  is  reported  to  have  been  found  in  Cyprus,  and  the 
work  corresponds  thereto.  What  is  very  unusual,  it  retains  the  gold  caps 
on  each  end,  but  the  gold  wire  running  through  it  with  a  loop  to  hang 
it  by,  is  missing.  Probably  1000  b.  c. 

No.  192.  Probably  a  Cypriote  cylinder,  of  soft  serpentine.  Rudely  wrought 
with  the  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  2 1  mm.;  diameter  of end ,  iomm. 


87 


Within  border  lines  two  rude  figures,  a  serpent,  two  animals,  one  a 
lion,  the  other  an  ibex,  a  bird,  three  crosses  and  eight  dots  interspersed. 
Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  193.  Perhaps  a  Cypriote  cylinder ,  of  soft  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the 
pointy  and  in  good  condition.  Lengthy  18  mm .;  diameter  of  end ,  Qmm. 

Within  border  lines,  a  rude  seated  figure  with  one  hand  behind  him, 
the  other  held  toward  a  spear  with  broad  point  downward — a  serpent, 
and  a  second  spear.  A  walking  figure  holds  his  hand  forward  toward  a 
large  crescent  on  a  very  short  standard,  over  a  serpent.  The  whole  is 
rudely  cut  in  outline,  and  the  objects  are  not  drawn  vertically  but  on 
an  angle. 

Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  194.  This  cylinder  showing  Egyptian  influence y  is  probably  of  Cypriote 
origin.  It  is  of  serpentine ,  like  so  many  cylinders  from  Cyprus.  Lengthy  21mm .; 
diatneter  of  endy  iomm. 

The  very  rough  scratched  design  shows  a  human  figure  holding  up 
a  lotus.  There  is  a  bird,  and  other  Egyptian  hieroglyphics. 

Perhaps  2000-1000  b.  c. 


* 


88 


SYRO-HITTITE  CYLINDERS 


THE  present  collection  is  extraordinarily  rich  in  cylinders  coming 
from  the  Syro-Hittite  territory,  and  special  attention  has  been 
devoted  to  securing  them.  Some  of  the  earlier  ones  from  the 
Phoenician  and  Syrian  regions  are  strongly  Egyptian  in  their  type,  while 
others  are  as  strongly  Babylonian,  or  occasionally  Assyrian  in  type. 
Others  can  be  classed  as  definitely  Hittite,  but  the  Hittite  art  itself  is  a 
composite,  which  has  been  more  influenced  from  the  Babylonian  art, 
and  to  a  less  degree  from  its  mythology,  and  has  only  later  been  affected 
by  the  dominance  of  Assyria.  It  has  even  felt  the  touch  of  the  coast 
civilization  of  the  Mycenaean  period.  In  return  it  gave  more  than  one  god 
to  Babylonia.  A  number  from  Syria  or  the  outlying  regions  of  Assyria, 
which  are  specially  Assyrian  in  character,  have  already  been  figured. 

The  Egyptian  Influence 

The  cylinders  which  follow  come  mostly  from  Phoenicia,  including 
Palestine  and  the  Hauran,  where  from  a  very  early  period,  at  least  as 
early  as  the  Twelfth  Dynasty,  the  Egyptian  influence  was  at  times 
predominant. 

No.  195.  Cylinder  of  Egyptian  type ,  of  steatite  with  green  glaze ,  one  end 
retaining  a  cap  of gold  plate.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in  good  condition. 
Length ,  2$  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  Q.y  mm. 

Within  border  lines  an  Egyptian  figure,  beardless,  in  a  long  robe, 
bare-headed,  seated  in  a  chair,  and  holding  the  emblem  of  felicity. 
Behind  him  a  standing  similar  figure  holding  the  same  emblem.  Two 
lines  of  hieroglyphs. 

This  cylinder  is  very  likely  from  Syria,  and  may  be  from  1 500  to 
1 200  b.  c.  The  gold  plate  on  the  end  is  unusual  but  not  unique.  A 
cylinder  in  the  South  Kensington  Museum  has  the  gold  caps  finely 


indented  with  an  elaborate  figure;  and  tablets  of  the  Kassite  period 
belonging  to  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  show  similar  indented  gold 
caps.  In  Ridgeway’s  “The  Early  Age  of  Greece,”  I.  p.  33,  it  is  implied 
that  the  cylinders  were  used  chiefly  as  amulets,  and  that  what  we  call 
seals  are  found  entirely  covered  with  gold  plate,  but  this  is  never  true  of 
cylinder  seals. 

No.  196.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  excellent 
condition.  Length ,  16  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  Qmm. 

Eagle  with  wings  and  legs  spread,  over  a  rope  pattern,  over  a  deer 
crouched  and  with  head  turned  back.  A  beardless  worshipper  in  a  long 
garment,  with  hands  to  the  breast,  on  each  side  of  a  flounced  goddess, 
in  front  view,  with  hands  to  her  breast.  An  Egyptian  hawk,  and  a 
fish  (?)  with  long  protruding  tongue.  Two  stars.  Close  border  lines. 

This  excellent  cylinder  shows  Egyptian  elements,  and  may  be 
1400  b.  c. 

No.  197.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  worn  at 
the  ends,  a  bit  battered,  but  the  design  is  clear.  Length,  18  mm. ;  diameter  of 
end,  Q  mm. 

The  design  has  Egyptian  as  well  as  Babylonian  elements.  An  Egyp¬ 
tian  god  holds  a  papyrus  flower,  and  with  one  hand  an  axe  across  his 
body.  Behind  him  is  a  lion-headed  god  with  the  Egyptian  apron,  and 
then  follows  a  female  head  attached  to  a  herm.  There  are  also  a  crescent, 
the  Egyptian  emblem  of  stability,  and  the  crux  ansata. 

This  cylinder,  which  is  said  to  have  come  from  the  Hauran,  repre¬ 
sents  a  period  of  Egyptian  influence,  from  1 800  to  1400  b.  c. 

No.  198.  Probably  a  Phoenician  or  Syrian  cylinder,  very  likely  from  the 
Hauran,  of  hematite.  Length,  22  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  12mm.  In  good 
preservation. 

A  beardless  god,  in  a  short  protruding  Egyptian  apron,  and  with  a 
high  tapering  head-dress,  holds  in  his  hand  a  long  vertical  spear.  Behind 
him  a  goddess  in  a  square  hat  also  holds  a  spear.  Behind  them  a  star  and 
a  crux  ansata.  Three  lines  of  inscription. 

The  inscription  is  of  the  same  style,  and  also  the  figure,  as  in  the  two 
Sidonian  cylinders  in  the  de  Clercq  collection.  Probably  a  date  earlier 
than  1  200  b.  c.,  perhaps  several  centuries  earlier,  or  even  as  far  back  as 
the  Twelfth  dynasty. 


90 


No.  199.  Probably  a  Syrian  cylinder ,  of  hematite.  Lengthy  17  mm.;  diameter 
of  end,  7  mm.  Cut  with  the  point,  and  in  good  condition. 

The  four  figures  are  of  an  Egyptian  type.  A  figure  in  the  short  pro¬ 
truding  Egyptian  apron  holds  a  staff.  Before  him  stands  a  figure  in  a  long 
garment,  with  hand  lifted.  A  third  figure  follows  dressed  in  the  same 
short  apron  as  the  first,  and  with  one  hand  lifted,  and  holding  a  crux 
ansata  by  the  other.  A  fourth  figure  follows  the  first. 

The  early  Egyptian  style  of  this  cylinder  suggests  that  it  may  come 
from  the  Hauran  region  and  be  of  perhaps  1 800  b.  c.,  as  it  is  likely  that 
this  influence  was  as  early  as  the  Twelfth  Dynasty. 

No.  200.  Syrian  or  Phcenician  cylinder,  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
and  in  fair  condition.  Length,  18  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  g  mtn. 

Two  human  figures,  with  head  and  crescent  horns  of  an  ox,  walking, 
with  short  waist-cloth  or  breech-cloth,  facing,  and  each  holding  up  a 
banner.  An  antelope  (?)  (rabbit?)  over  a  bird.  Borderlines. 

This  cylinder  seems  to  be  in  the  Egyptian  style,  and  yet  shows  Hittite 
influence.  It  may  be  from  1 500  to  1 200  b.  c.,  the  period  quite  doubtful. 

No.  201.  Syro-Egyptian  cylinder  of  hematite ,  said  to  have  come  from  the 
Hauran.  Wrought  with  the point ;  worn  but  clear.  Length,  20  mm.;  diameter 
of  end,  g.y  mm. 

A  slender  winged  disk,  under  which  something  may  have  been 
erased.  Facing  the  space  are  two  figures  in  long  robes,  with  one  hand 
raised,  and  with  Egyptian  crescent  and  dot  on  head.  A  figure  in  short 
loin-cloth  lifting  an  object  over  a  fish;  a  bird  and  a  rabbit’s  head  over  a 
kneeling  figure  and  a  crux  ansata. 

This  maybe  from  1800  to  1400  b.  c. 

No.  202.  A  Sy  ro- Hittite  cylinder  of hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
good  condition.  Length,  14  mm.;  dia?neter  of  end,  7  mm. 

A  winged  bird-headed  figure  on  one  knee;  facing  it  a  composite 
creature  with  the  head,  branching  horns,  and  legs  of  a  deer,  but  a  human 
chest  and  arms,  with  one  hand  raised ;  a  lion  over  a  lion-sphinx ;  an  ellipse 
(eye?)  and  a  column  (possibly  a  tree). 

This  cylinder  illustrates  the  facility  with  which  the  Hittite  art 
created  composite  and  winged  figures.  The  ellipse,  or  lozenge,  has  been 
usually  considered  the  female  emblem. 


Rl 


9 1 


No.  203.  A  cylinder  that  has  somewhat  the  Cypriote  type ,  of  soft  black  serpen¬ 
tine.  Roughly  wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  2$  mm.; 
diameter  of  end ,  1 1  mm. 

Within  border  lines,  a  bird  standing  on  an  ibex;  a  bird-headed 
winged  quadruped;  a  nude  man,  beardless,  carrying  a  spear. 

This  cylinder  may  be  1 200  to  1000  B.  c. 

No.  204.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder ,  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point.  Length, 
I  g  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

This  cylinder  shows  Egyptian  influence.  On  one  side  of  a  round 
columnar  altar  which  forms  two  shelves  at  the  top,  stands  a  beardless 
figure  holding  a  long  bent  object,  perhaps  a  throw-stick.  Facing  him 
approach  two  similar  figures,  each  lifting  a  branch  or  stalk  of  grain.  The 
three  figures  are  all  nude  except  for  a  girdle.  On  one  side  of  the  group 
is  a  vertical  rope  pattern  enclosed  in  two  lines. 

This  cylinder  may  be  of  a  period  from  1 800  to  1 500  B.  c. 

No.  205.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  wheel, 
in  good  condition.  Length,  26  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  1 3  mm. 

Lower  border  line  close  to  the  edge — a  male  figure  in  tall  Hittite 
hat,  wearing  the  Egyptian  apron,  reaches  one  arm  straight  out  to  the 
shoulder  of  a  female  figure  who  reaches  her  arm  to  his  shoulder.  Her 
garment  is  behind  her,  leaving  her  body  exposed.  Between  them  a  star 
above.  A  flounced  figure,  probably  feminine,  with  a  rather  high  hat, 
grasps  two  serpents,  whose  heads  rise  above  her  shoulders,  and  whose 
tails  reach  her  ankles.  Small  sun  in  crescent,  over  seven  dots,  over  crux 
ansata.  Worshipper  in  a  long  simple  garment.  Three  small  rabbits  (?) 
crouched  over  tree  of  life. 

This  peculiar  cylinder  shows  strong  Egyptian  influence,  and  may  be 
1 500- 1 300  b.  c. 

No.  206.  A  Phoenician  cylinder  of  hematite ,  said  to  have  been  found  in  one  of 
the  tombs  at  Tyre.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length, 
15  ?nm.;  diameter  of  end,  8  mm. 

The  design  shows,  within  close  border  lines,  two  identical  figures 
facing  each  other,  with  human  body  and  a  short  garment,  and  with  the 
head  and  crescent  horns  of  a  bull  or  cow;  each  holds  a  snake  by  the  neck. 
Between  them  the  sun  in  a  crescent.  A  lion-sphinx,  winged,  has  its  paw 


92 


stretched  out  to  an  asp.  Under  them  a  lion  walking,  with  paw  lifted. 
Above  the  lion’s  head  a  twisted  line,  possibly  meant  to  represent  horns 
of  a  ram,  or  a  “libra.” 

This  is  a  very  admirable  cylinder  and  its  asserted  provenance  agrees 
with  its  character.  Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  207.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of hematite.  Finely  wrought  with  the  point,  and 
in  excellent  condition.  Length ,  IJ  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  8  mm. 

Very  close  border  lines.  Two  nude  figures  fighting,  each  with  a 
dagger  in  his  hand.  Behind  one  of  them  a  third  similar  figure  holds  a 
spear  with  the  point  down.  Each  wears  a  girdle  from  which  falls  a  tassel 
between  the  legs,  and  from  each  a  stream  of  urine  seems  to  fall.  The 
remainder  shows  a  rope  pattern  with  a  recumbent  ibex  above  and, 
below  it,  a  crux  ansata  and  several  small  objects.  The  crux  ansata  shows 
Egyptian  influence,  as  also,  probably,  the  appearance  of  urinating. 

Perhaps  1400  b.  c. 

No.  208.  Probably  a  Syrian  or  Phoenician  cylinder  of  hematite .  Wrought  with 
the  point ,  in  good  condition ,  and  slightly  concave  on  the  surface.  Length , 
21  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  1 1  mm. 

The  design  is  enclosed  within  border  lines.  A  figure  in  short  garment, 
with  head  and  horns  of  a  bull,  has  one  hand  raised.  Before  it  a  bareheaded 
figure  with  garment  below  the  knees,  lifts  a  crux  ansata;  also  a  head  of  an 
ibex  with  horns  curled  back,  and  four  very  small  indeterminate  objects. 
An  ibex  rampant;  the  sun  in  crescent  over  a  kneeling  figure  with  animal 
head  surmounted  by  sun  in  crescent ;  hand,  head  of  animal,  star  and  small 
objects. 

This  cylinder  has  decided  Egyptian  elements, and  may  beof  1400  b.c. 

Syro-Hittite  Cylinders  of  Babylonian  Type 

Nearly  all  Hittite  cylinders  show  Babylonian  or  Assyrian  influence. 
As  a  certain  number  are  mainly  controlled  by  Egyptian  motives,  so  others 
are  chiefly  Babylonian  or  Assyrian  in  type,  and  yet  do  not  properly  belong 
to  Babylonia  or  Assyria.  Often  the  Babylonian  gods  are  adopted  as  well 
as  the  Babylonian  writing.  The  discoveries  of  Winckler  at  Boghaz-keui 
prove  that  as  far  back  as  1 500  b.  c.  the  Hittites  usually  used  the  cuneiform 
writing.  The  following  are  examples  of  such  cylinders: 


93 


No.  209.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite ,  retaining  the  copper  core  from 
which  it  was  suspended.  Lengthy  25  mm. ;  diameter  of  end ,  iy  mm. 

The  goddess  Aa  faces  her  consort,  the  sun-god  Shamash  who  holds 
his  notched  weapon,  and  rests  his  foot  on  a  reduced  mountain.  Between 
them  above,  is  the  sun  in  a  crescent.  Behind  is  a  star  above,  and  a  small 
seated  figure  below.  Then  follows  Martu  with  short  weapon,  or  wand. 
The  remainder  of  the  design  shows  a  seated  sphinx  with  paw  lifted 
towards  a  long-eared  seated  animal;  below  them  is  the  rope  pattern, 
and  below  this  a  griffin  seated  and  with  paw  lifted  towards  a  seated 
antelope. 

This  cylinder  shows  strong  Babylonian  influence,  as  well  as  Egyptian, 
and  may  be  1 500-1000  b.  c. 

No.  210.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite .  Wrought  with  the point ,and in  fair 
condition.  Length,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  Qmm.  Slightly  concave. 

Two  registers  not  separated  by  lines.  In  the  upper  register  is  the 
standing  Shamash  with  foot  lifted,  before  whom  a  worshipper  brings 
a  goat  as  offering,  followed  by  the  goddess  Aa.  Also  a  seated  goddess, 
holding  a  vase,  before  whom  stands  a  worshipper  with  hand  raised.  In 
the  lower  register  a  slender  tree,  or  column,  on  each  side  of  which  is  a 
rampant  goat,  behind  one  of  which  is  a  worshipper  with  hand  lifted. 
Also  a  worshipper  is  behind  a  lion  which  attacks  a  kneeling  man  with 
hand  lifted. 

This  very  complicated  cylinder  has  predominant  Babylonian  motives, 
but  seems  to  be  of  Syro-Hittite  origin.  It  may  be  1 800- 1 500  b.  c.  Said 
to  have  come  from  the  Hauran. 

No.  211.  Babylonian  or  Hittite  cylinder  of  he?natite.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
very  finely,  and  in fair  condition,  except  a  small  piece  fractured  at  the  bottom. 
Length,  21  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

Border  lines.  Two  registers  separated  by  a  line.  In  the  upper  are  two 
small  figures;  two  of  them,  one  each  side  of  a  column  under  a  star; 
another  approaching  seems  to  be  Ishtar  with  earrings;  a  figure  holding 
up  a  stick,  or  “libra.”  Two  couples  facing  each  other.  The  lower  register 
has  nine  small  figures,  and  two  columns  and  a  star. 

Perhaps  1 500- 1 000  b.  c. 

No.  212.  Assyrian  or  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  rose  quartz.  Wrought  with  the 
point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  16  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  Q  mm. 


94 


A  bearded  deity  in  a  square  hat,  in  a  flounced  garment,  one  leg 
advanced,  with  weapons,  like  bows,  radiating  from  his  body.  One  hand 
is  raised  and  the  other  holds  an  axe.  Below  it  is  a  slightly  bent  line  within 
which  is  a  deep  dot.  A  bearded  worshipper  approaches  with  both  hands 
extended.  Two  ibexes  crossed,  and  seven  dots. 

Perhaps  900  to  600  b.  c.;  and  perhaps  this  could  better  be  classed 
with  the  Assyrian  cylinders. 

No.  213.  A  Syrian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in  fair 
condition.  Surface  slightly  concave.  Lengthy  16  mm.;  diameter  of endy  10  mm. 

A  bearded  deity  in  a  long  robe,  seated  in  a  chair  with  a  low  back, 
holds  a  very  small  vase.  Before  him  is  the  sun  in  a  crescent,  and  what 
looks  like  an  antelope  reversed,  as  if  held  by  the  hind  leg.  A  worshipper 
approaches  with  hand  raised.  Behind  the  worshipper  two  animals  crossed, 
over  a  seated  monkey.  A  beardless  worshipper  holds  the  hand  raised 
before  a  god-like  Teshub,  who  holds  up  a  javelin  in  each  hand.  Behind 
him  the  “  libra;”  before  him  a  columnar  altar. 

This  interesting  cylinder  is  said  to  have  come  from  Bethshean  in 
Palestine.  May  be  1 500  b.  c.  What  looks  like  an  arch  over  the  god-like 
Teshub  is  probably  a  flaw  in  the  stone. 

No.  214.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of hematite .  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in fair 
condition.  A  small  piece  chipped  near  the  lower  end.  Length ,  24  mm. ;  diameter 
of  end ,  12  mm. 

A  god  in  long  garment,  and  a  low  wide-banded  turban,  grasps  an 
ibex  lifted  by  the  neck.  The  sun  in  crescent;  a  worshipper  with  hand 
lifted  behind  the  god,  and  Aa  or  Shala  in  front.  A  griffin  over  a  gazelle. 

The  god  is  here  the  principal  Hittite  god,  perhaps  Tarkhu,  or  San- 
dan,  and  corresponds  to  the  Babylonian  Martu;  so  that  it  is  natural 
to  have  his  consort  Shala  also  figured,  as  so  often  with  Martu  on  Baby¬ 
lonian  cylinders. 

^  No.  215.  Phoenician  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Said  to  have  been  found,  with  No.  206,  in  a  tomb  at  Tyre.  Wrought 
with  the  point, and  in  good  condition.  Length,  IQ  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10mm. 

A  seated  deity,  probably  a  goddess,  in  flounced  garment,  has  her  hand 
within  an  indeterminate  bent  object.  Over  her  hand  a  star  in  a  crescent. 
Before  her  a  kneeling  figure,  under  a  seated  figure.  A  god  holding  up  a 


95 


club  has  his  foot  on  a  lion.  Behind  the  seated  deity,  a  small  rabbit,  over  a 
bull,  over  two  figures  holding  a  spear,  the  one,  apparently  male,  kneeling ; 
the  other  female,  in  a  long  robe,  with  hair  hanging  down  her  back.  Then 
facing  them  a  female  figure  with  hand  raised,  and  hair,  or  head-dress 
down  her  back.  Over  her  hand  a  small  trident-like  object. 

This  cylinder  may  be  of  1000  b.  c.  and  offers  types  of  Phoenician 
gods  worshipped.  The  bull  is  worshipped,  as  in  Israel. 

No.  216.  Syrian  cylinder,  reported  to  have  been  found  at  Gebal  in  Syria. 
Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in  good  condition ,  except  that  the  head  of  one  god 
is  chipped.  Length ,  2 3  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  12  mm. 

A  table  with  what  appears  to  be  shewbread  on  it.  A  god  in  the 
attitude  of  Shamash,  but  carrying  an  axe  over  his  left  shoulder,  and  with 
the  other  hand  a  sort  of  sceptre,  with  a  handle  near  the  lower  end,  and 
a  small  crescent  at  the  top  just  over  the  table.  Opposite  is  a  goddess  in 
front  view,  with  hands  to  .her  breast,  wearing  a  two-horned  hat,  and 
a  long  flounced  garment.  Behind  her  a  worshipper  in  flounced  dress  and 
turban,  and  hand  raised.  Another  scene  shows  a  god-like  Ninib,or  Adad, 
with  one  hand  raised  holding  a  scimitar  over  his  head,  and  grasping  with 
the  other  hand  a  naked  victim  at  his  feet.  A  small  god  in  a  short  flounced 
garment  holds  aloft  a  weapon  which  has  notches. 

This  fine  example  may  be  1 500  to  1000  b.  c. 

The  three  following,  which  also  are  predominantly  Babylonian, 
show  a  goddess  holding  the  spouting  vase. 

No.  217.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder,  of  micaceous  iron.  Wrought  with  the  point, 
worn  but  clear.  Length,  22  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  11  mm. 

A  two-horned  deity  in  a  long  garment  lifts  a  vase,  out  of  which  two 
streams  spout  and  fall  into  a  lower  vase.  Before  him  is  a  worshipper  in 
a  turban,  with  hands  folded,  and  behind  him  a  similar  figure  with  hand 
lifted.  In  three  registers  a  griffin  attacks  a  rabbit;  below  it  a  rope  pattern; 
below  which  a  lion  attacks  the  head  of  an  ibex. 

Perhaps  1 800-1400  b.c.  Said  to  have  been  found  in  the  Hauran. 

No.  2 1 8.  Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  ij.y  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

96 


Flounced  goddess  holds  a  vase  with  two  long  streams,  above  which 
is  a  crescent.  A  worshipper,  and  a  slave  carrying  a  basket.  A  long  ver¬ 
tical  line  bent  in  a  crook  at  each  end.  One  line  of  inscription  reading 
“  Shamash  Aa.” 

Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  219.  A  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite .  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  fair 
condition.  Length ,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  Qmm. 

A  goddess  in  double  tiara,  and  flounced  dress,  holds  a  vase,  from 
which  spout  two  streams.  Behind  her  a  female  attendant  with  long  hair 
falling  over  her  shoulder,  and  before  her  the  worshipper,  with  hand 
raised.  A  rope  pattern,  with  a  sphinx  above  and  below.  There  are  border 
lines. 

It  is  not  usual  to  have  the  figure  of  Ishtar,  instead  of  Gilgamesh  or 
Ea,  holding  the  spouting  vase.  Perhaps  1500  b.  c. 

No.  220.  Cylinder  probably  of  Syrian  origin ,  but following  Babylonian  types , 
of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  considerably  worn.  Length ,  23  mm.; 
diameter  of  end ,  11  mm. 

A  flounced  goddess  in  the  sitting  attitude,  but  with  no  seat,  but  in  its 
place  an  uncertain  animal,  perhaps  an  ibex,  and  below  her  two  crouched 
lions  back  to  back.  Before  her  an  ibex,  over  an  animal  seated  upright 
(ibex)  and  a  fish;  a  worshipper  with  hands  to  her  breast  with  three 
necklaces,  followed  by  the  goddess  Aa.  Behind  the  seated  goddess  an 
uncertain  animal  and  a  small  nude  figure,  with  one  hand  raised  and  one 
leg  lifted. 

This  peculiar  cylinder  does  not  seem  to  be  from  the  Babylonian 
territory,  and  may  be  1000  b.  c. 

No.  221.  A  Syrian  (?)  cylinder ,  of  hematite;  well  wrought  with  the  point  and 
in  excellent  condition.  Length ,  Ijmm.;  diameter  of  end ,  11mm. 

Gilgamesh,  nude,  without  curls,  with  one  hand  holds  up  an  ibex  by 
the  hind  leg.  Above  the  ibex  a  rabbit.  Behind  Gilgamesh  a  bird  over  a 
monkey  seated  upright.  A  griffin  over  a  lion  which  lifts  its  paw  towards 
the  ibex.  Martu  faces  his  wife  Shala,  and  between  them  is  the  sun  in  a 
crescent,  and  below  a  second  monkey  seated  upright. 

This  cylinder  is  reported  to  have  been  found  at  Bethshean  in  Pales¬ 
tine.  Perhaps  1500  b.c. 


S 


97 


No.  222.  A  Syrian,  or  Syro-Hittite  cylinder ,  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the 
point  and  in  good  condition,  except for  a  small  piece  chipped  out  near  the  top. 
Length,  16  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  iomm. 

Within  border  lines  a  seated  flounced  goddess  with  head  uncovered, 
holds  a  slender  vase.  Before  her  a  crux  ansata,  the  upper  part  of  which 
is  enclosed  in  a  stand  on  which  are  two  piles  of  six  cakes  in  each  pile. 
Before  her  a  beardless  worshipper  in  a  long  garment  holds  a  spear  with 
the  point  downward,  under  a  star.  Then  comes  Aa  with  hands  raised, 
and  before  her  a  star  over  a  “libra.”  Behind  Aa  is  a  bull’s  head  over  a 
hand. 

This  cylinder  is  particularly  interesting  and  seems  to  show  a  table 
with  twelve  loaves  of  “shewbread.”  The  hand  is  also  a  Syrian,  or  Phoe¬ 
nician  emblem.  This  may  be  from  1 500  to  1000  b.  c. 

No.  223.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
fairly  good  condition.  Length,  14mm.;  diameter  of  end,  Qmm. 

A  winged  figure  in  a  short  loin-cloth,  and  necklaces,  holds  in  one 
hand  a  wand  bent  at  the  end.  On  one  side  is  the  Babylonian  Martu  and 
Shala  on  the  other.  Below,  on  one  side  of  the  winged  figure  is  a  dove, 
and  on  the  other  a  crux  ansata.  Two  lines  of  inscription  which  show 
that  it  belonged  to  a  servant  of  Ramman. 

This  is  said  to  have  been  found  in  the  Hauran,  and  represents  a 
period  of  Egyptian  influence,  from  1 800  to  1400  b.  c. 

No.  224.  A  Hittite  or  Syrian  cylinder  of hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length,  18  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm.  Surface  slightly 
concave. 

A  man  in  short  garment,  and  round  head-dress,  shoots  an  arrow  at 
an  ibex.  Over  the  bow  is  a  fish.  A  nude  figure,  with  hands  raised,  bal¬ 
ances  from  his  shoulders  two  pails  or  baskets.  A  “libra,”  a  bird,  a  goat’s 
head,  a  “libra.”  A  rabbit,  over  a  griffin,  over  a  seated  victim,  nude. 

This  cylinder  shows  the  nude  figure  carrying  two  heavy  objects,  like 
a  Turkish  hamal,  hanging  from  a  frame  resting  on  the  shoulder.  The 
shooting  with  a  long  bow  is  also  infrequent.  From  1500  to  1000  b.  c. 

The  following  cylinder  is  probably  of  a  Syro-Hittite  region,  and  is 
very  peculiar  as  it  is  engraved  in  the  reverse  way  on  the  cylinder  to  what 
is  usual. 


9s 


179 


176 


174 


PLATE  XXV 


•  . 


' 


, 


■■ 


X 


v' 


' 

■  . 


; 


s.  f  ^ 


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185 


184  183 


191 

PLATE  XXVI 


l! 


No.  225.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Finely  wrought  with  the  point,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length ,  20. y  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  IO  mm. 

The  figures  all  run  around  the  cylinder  instead  of  vertically  by  its 
length.  The  winged  disk  over  a  knobbed  column,  on  one  side  of  which 
is  a  god  with  a  turban,  and  hand  raised ;  on  the  other  side  a  bareheaded 
worshipper  in  same  attitude,  each  in  a  garment  reaching  below  the 
knees.  Below  this  a  second  register  with  a  lion  attacked  by  two  figures 
arranged  symmetrically,  with  very  short  garments;  one  in  a  close  cap 
with  pompon  and  queue,  seizes  the  lion  by  each  paw ;  the  other  with  cap 
(no  pompon)  with  queue  and  bow  on  shoulder,  seizes  the  lion  behind 
with  both  hands. 

An  exceedingly  attractive  and  unusual  cylinder,  very  peculiar  for 
the  direction  of  the  design. 

A  Seated  Goddess 

We  cannot  be  confident  by  what  name  the  goddess  represented  on 
the  three  following  cylinders  was  called.  She  seems  to  correspond  to 
the  Babylonian  Bau,  Gula  or  Belit,  and  to  the  later  Asianic  Ma.  The 
cylinders  are  distinctly  Syro-Hittite. 

No.  226.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with point .  Length,  28  mm.; 
diameter  of  end,  12  mm.  In  excellent  condition  except  for  a  small  break  over 
one  griffin. 

Within  border  lines  two  seated  beardless  figures  facing  each  other 
symmetrically.  Each  wears  a  long  simple  garment,  and  each  lifts  a  bent 
object  with  knob  at  the  end.  Between  them  is  a  stand  resting  on  a  stem, 
and  at  the  top  a  table,  on  which  are  two  flat  objects,  and,  above,  what 
may  be  meant  for  a  flame.  Above  the  two  figures  are  two  griffins  facing. 
Behind  the  seated  figure  are  two  symmetrical  standing  figures  in  simple 
dress  with  hands  on  the  breast.  Above  them  a  rope  pattern,  and  on  each 
side  of  their  heads  a  hand.  Below  is  a  “libra.” 

This  is  a  very  attractive  design.  It  may  be  1000  b.  c. 

No.  227.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  IJ  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  Q  mm. 

A  seated  goddess  in  a  high  hat  holds  a  long  rod  and  a  serpent.  Over 
her  a  small  crescent.  A  female  figure  with  two  long  flat  horns 


99 


approaches  holding  a  flower  (?)  in  one  hand.  A  heraldic  eagle,  over  a 
rope  pattern  over  a  bull  (?). 

It  is  particularly  interesting  here  to  observe  the  serpent  held  in  the 
hand  of  the  goddess.  Perhaps  1 500-1200  b.  c.  Said  to  have  been  found 
in  the  Hauran. 

No.  228.  A  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  drill. 
Length ,  22  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  1 1  mm.  Closely  and  well  engraved. 

Within  border  lines  the  design  shows  two  registers.  In  the  upper 
two  beardless  deities  are  seated  before  a  tall  slender  vase,  out  of  which 
spout  two  streams  which  fall  over  into  their  hands.  Behind  one  of  the 
deities  stands  a  worshipper  with  hand  lifted;  before  the  other  four 
marching  figures  in  a  short  garment  approach.  In  the  lower  register 
under  the  two  deities  are  two  sphinxes  reclining  with  a  star  between 
them.  Under  the  marching  figures  a  kneeling  naked  beardless  figure 
seizes  a  humped  bull  by  the  horns. 

This  excellent  and  very  characteristic  Hittite  cylinder  is  in  good 
condition,  except  that  the  upper  end  is  slightly  battered  so  as  to  obscure 
the  streams  from  the  vase.  The  humped  ox  is  peculiar.  It  may  be  of 
1000  to  1400  b.  c. 

The  Hittite  Supreme  God 

There  appear  to  be  three  important  differentiated  deities,  or  four, 
if  we  include  the  seated  goddess,  worshipped  by  the  Hittites,  and  whose 
worship,  doubtless  under  various  names,  was  common  from  the  Euphrates 
to  the  Syrian  coast,  and  all  of  whom  seem  to  have  been  adopted  by  the 
Babylonians.  Of  these  the  principal  supreme  god  would  seem  to  be  the 
origin  of  the  Babylonian  “Western”  god  Martu,  while  the  second,  the 
god  of  thunder  and  storm,  was  accepted  as  the  corresponding  Adad  with 
the  thunderbolt ;  and  the  third,  the  naked  goddess,  may  have  been  the 
original  of  Zirbanit.  The  first  of  these  deities  we  see  figured  in  the  eight 
cylinders  which  immediately  follow,  of  which  the  first  is  a  very  remark¬ 
able  cylinder,  and  contains  all  three  of  them.  He  is  a  dignified  god,  who 
stands  in  an  attitude  of  authority,  dressed  in  a  garment  reaching  below 
his  knees  and  having  one  leg  exposed.  One  arm  hangs  down  behind 
him,  while  the  other  hand  is  raised  to  his  breast.  Sometimes  he  carries  a 
weapon,  as  if  at  rest,  and  only  rarely  raised  for  action.  The  weapon  may 


IOO 


be  an  axe,  a  spear,  or  such  a  serpent  weapon,  as  in  Nos.  234  and  235, 
which  suggests  that  he  may  also  be  the  origin  of  the  Babylonian  Marduk 
with  his  scimitar,  which  was  originally  a  serpent.  We  do  not  certainly 
know  his  Hittite  name,  but  it  may  have  been  Tarkhu,  which  corre¬ 
sponds  to  the  biblical  name  Terah. 

No.  229.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  excellent 
condition.  Length ,  2Q  mm. ;  diameter  of  end ,  15  mm.  Slightly  concave. 

The  god  Teshub,  nearly  nude,  with  a  long  queue  down  his  back, 
and  wearing  a  pointed  helmet,  stands  on  three  mountains,  lifts  in  one 
hand  a  club  over  his  head,  and  holds  in  the  other  perhaps  two  weapons, 
one  a  throw-stick  and  the  other  which  has  a  handle  in  the  middle.  Next 
the  Hittite  goddess,  with  body,  mostly  nude,  in  front  view,  but  with 
face  in  profile  towards  Teshub.  Her  flounced  long  garment  is  held  by 
bands  crossed  over  and  under  her  shoulders,  and  is  drawn  back  by  a  band 
on  her  hip  to  expose  her  body.  She  lifts  in  one  hand  a  high  vase  with  a 
handle.  Above  the  pitcher  a  dove,  and  between  the  goddess  and  the  god 
are  a  head,  a  crux  ansata,  and  a  seated  monkey.  Next  is  the  chief  Hittite 
god,  in  a  high  rounded  hat,  and  with  a  garment  reaching  below  the 
knees,  with  one  leg  advanced.  Between  him  and  the  goddess  are  the 
head  of  an  ox  and  a  hand.  The  remaining  space  is  in  three  registers, 
first,  two  deities  seated  before  a  spouting  vase,  from  which  the  stream 
rises  and  falls  into  a  vase  held  in  the  hand  of  each;  then  under  them  a 
braided  guilloche  and  last  three  small  figures  turned  toward  Teshub,  the 
first  with  her  hand  raised. 

This  is  an  extraordinarily  fine  cylinder  and  admirably  illustrates  the 
way  of  wearing  the  garments.  Perhaps  1500  to  1 200  b.  c. 

No.  230.  A  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Finely  wrought  with  the  point,  and 
in  excellent  preservation.  Length ,  22  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10.5mm.  Surface 
slightly  concave. 

The  principal  Hittite  god,  probably  Tarkhu,  in  the  usual  short- 
ribbed  undergarment,  covered  with  the  longer  robe  which  exposes  a  leg, 
and  in  a  tall  conical  hat,  lifts  one  hand  while  the  other  rests  on  a  spear. 
Facing  him  a  goddess  in  long  robe  and  high  squat  hat,  is  followed  by  a 
female  worshipper  in  a  long  garment,  apparently  with  a  long  veil  from 
the  head-dress  falling  over  her  shoulder.  Three  marching  figures  in 
short  garment  ribbed  and  arranged  as  a  wide  breech-cloth,  follow  the 
god,  while  above  and  behind  them  is  the  rope  pattern. 


T 


JO I 


This  beautiful  and  finely  cut  cylinder  is  of  particular  value  for  the 
study  of  Hittite  dress,  male  and  female. 

No.  231.  A  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the point,  and  in  excel¬ 
lent  condition.  Length ,  ig  mm. ;  diameter  of  endt  70  mm. 

A  stout  column,  with  two  sets  of  cross  lines,  and  two  thickened  por¬ 
tions  at  the  top,  bears  a  slender  handled  pitcher,  above  which  is  the  sun 
in  the  crescent.  On  each  side  facing  it  a  figure  of  the  principal  Hittite 
god,  probably  Tarkhu,  with  the  Hittite  high  hat.  Behind  the  right 
hand  figure  an  upright  bird,  over  a  small  object,  over  the  crux  ansata. 
A  goddess,  probably  the  wife  of  the  god,  with  a  two-horned  hat.  The 
remainder  is  in  two  registers,  a  rope  pattern  over  a  goddess  seated  in  a 
chair,  holding  a  vase,  before  whom  is  a  vertical  scorpion  and  also  a  female 
worshipper  with  hand  lifted. 

This  excellent  cylinder  has  Egyptian  elements  as  well  as  Hittite. 
May  be  from  1 400  to  1 200  b.  c. 

No.  232.  Hittite  cylinder  of  a  black ,  slaty  stone ,  surface  slightly  concave. 
Wrought  with  the  point ,  of  fair  condition ,  but  cracked.  Lengthy  2 1  mm. ; 
diameter  of  end ,  11  mm. 

Rope  pattern  over  a  scorpion,  over  a  very  stout  bird;  a  star,  or 
probably  sun,  over  an  arrow-shaped  column.  On  each  side  the  Hittite 
chief  god,  Tarkhu,  perhaps,  stands,  in  his  garment  reaching  below  the 
knees,  and  his  high  hat.  A  worshipper  follows  with  hand  lifted,  and 
wearing  a  turban. 

The  arrow-like  column  resembles  one  of  the  characters  in  the  Hittite 
hieroglyphic  system.  Perhaps  1500  to  1000  b.c. 

No.  233.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  pointy  and  in  good 
condition.  Lengthy  2$  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  12mm. 

A  principal  Hittite  god  holds  a  spear  downward  in  one  hand  and 
with  the  other  lifted  hand  holds  an  axe;  behind  him  are  a  small  flounced 
worshipper,  and  a  small  altar.  Before  him  a  large  altar,  and  a  figure  in 
long  flounced  garment  lifts  a  vase;  a  griffin  attacks  an  ibex,  over  a  rope 
pattern,  over  an  ibex  couchant.  Border  lines. 

An  unusually  instructive  cylinder,  as  it  shows  this  god  in  a  militant 
attitude.  1500-1000  b.c. 


102 


PLATE  XXVII 


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PLATE  XXV111 


203 


No.  234.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  IJ  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  8  mm. 

A  god  in  long  garment,  with  one  leg  advanced,  carries  in  his  left 
hand  a  serpent  (or  lituus).  Before  him  a  goddess  in  flounced  garment 
like  Aa.  Next,  in  three  registers  separated  by  lines,  are  a  seated  lion  and 
a  sphinx;  then  the  rope  pattern;  and  below  two  lions  facing  each  other. 

Perhaps  1 500  to  1 200  b.  c. 

No.  235.  A  Hittite  cylinder.  Hematite.  Very  finely  cut  with  the  point.  Length, 
21  mm. ;  dia?neter  of  end,  IJ  mm. 

Within  the  border  lines  close  to  the  edge  is  a  crowded,  close  design. 
A  stout  god  in  a  short  garment  faces  to  the  right.  One  hand  falls  behind 
him,  and  in  the  other  he  holds  a  wand  bent  at  the  end.  He  corresponds 
to  the  Babylonian  Ramman,  and  may  be  the  Hittite  god  Tarkhu.  Before 
him  a  smaller  kneeling  Gilgamesh  attacks  two  animals,  perhaps  ibexes, 
reversed,  seizing  them  by  the  neck.  Under  him  is  a  griffin  seated.  The 
remaining  design  shows  two  registers  separated  by  a  braided  pattern 
which  bends  up  at  the  left,  changing  to  a  rope  pattern.  Above  it  are  two 
seated  symmetrical  sphinxes,  each  with  a  paw  raised;  underneath  a  small 
Eabani  lifts  an  ibex  by  the  neck,  and  two  lions  face  each  other  with  paw 
lifted. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  perfect  of  the  Hittite  type.  It 
may  be  1 800- 1 000  b.  c.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  these  cylinders, 
with  their  Egyptian  as  well  as  Babylonian  (never  Assyrian)  influence, 
may  some  of  them  go  back  even  to  the  period  of  the  twelfth  Egyptian 
dynasty. 

No.  236.  A  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in  fair 
conditio n.  Length,  IJ  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  Q  mm. 

A  god  with  garment  reaching  below  the  knee,  one  leg  advanced, 
holds  in  his  right  hand  a  club,  the  left  hand  behind  him.  A  beardless 
apparently  female  worshipper  in  a  long  fringed  garment  lifts  one  hand. 
Between  them  a  vase  over  a  “  libra.”  A  winged  kneeling  figure, in  a  long 
garment,  with  one  hand  raised,  over  a  lion;  both  before  a  high  slender 
column  which  divides  at  the  top  into  two  short  curves  outward;  it  is 
faced  on  the  other  side  by  a  seated  griffin  over  a  seated  lion. 

This  excellent  cylinder  probably  represents  the  worship  of  the 
principal  Hittite  deity.  Probably  1800  to  1400  b.  c. 


103 


The  Storm-god  Teshub 


The  Hittite  storm-god,  Teshub,  is  the  Babylonian  and  Assyrian 
Adad,  represented  there  with  the  thunderbolt,  which  was  a  Babylonian 
weapon  from  the  earliest  times,  but  not  familiar  to  Hittite  art.  He  walks 
on  mountains,  carries  various  weapons,  in  the  attitude  of  war,  and  wears 
a  pointed  helmet,  and  only  a  short  garment  about  the  body,  leaving  the 
legs  bare.  His  weapon  is  usually  a  club,  but  he  carries  also  others,  as  an 
axe,  bow  or  sling.  With  one  hand  he  leads  by  a  cord  a  bull  held  by  a 
ring  in  its  nose.  The  weapons  indicate  that  he  is  the  god  of  lightning, 
and  the  bellowing  bull  that  he  is  the  god  of  thunder.  The  mountains  on 
which  he  stands,  as  in  Nos.  229,  237,  indicate  that  these  are  the  home  of 
storms.  H e  seems  to  correspond  to  the  H ebrew  Y ahveh,  and  he  is  figured 
in  the  Egyptian  monuments  as  the  Syrian  god  Resheph.  In  No.  241  we 
have  Teshub  as  an  ashera.  In  the  jade  cylinder  No.  242  he  appears  in 
an  Egyptian  form. 

No.  237.  A  Hittite  cylinder. ,  Hematite.  Length ,  24  mm .;  diameter  of  end, 
I j  mm.  Very  finely  cut  with  the  point. 

The  principal  figure  is  the  Hittite  god  T eshub,  corresponding  to  the 
Babylonian  Adad.  He  wears  his  characteristic  dress,  a  very  short  tunic 
and  a  pointed  helmet,  and  stands  on  the  mountains.  In  his  right  hand 
he  lifts  a  club,  while  his  left  hand  holds  three  objects,  one  a  flower  like 
a  lotus,  another  a  serpent  held  by  the  neck,  and  the  third  a  cord  attached 
to  the  nose  of  a  crouching  bull.  A  second  figure  is  a  goddess  who  draws 
her  skirt  away  on  both  sides  to  expose  her  nudity.  She  stands  over  the 
bull.  A  third  figure  is  a  goddess  like  Aa  in  long  flounced  garment  and 
hands  raised.  Two  small  flounced  female  figures  stand  over  the  rope 
pattern,  within  which  is  the  crouching  lion.  In  the  field  are  a  star,  the 
sun  in  a  crescent,  and,  repeated,  a  small  bird,  a  rabbit’s  head  and  a  star. 

This  is  an  unusually  well  preserved  and  interesting  cylinder,  of  the 
purely  Hittite  style.  Probably  1500  b.  c. 

No.  238.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in 
good  condition.  Length ,  22  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  Q  mm. 

Adad  in  his  spiked  helmet,  long  curled  queue  and  short  loin-cloth, 
lifts  behind  him  a  club,  and  with  the  other  hand  holds  an  axe  and  bow 
(or  throw-stick)  and  leads  ahull.  Before  him  is  a  beardless  worshipper. 


104 


apparently  a  woman,  with  hand  raised.  Between  them  are  the  sun  in 
crescent,  a  star,  the  seven  dots,  a  bird,  a  crux  ansata,  and,  below,  a  helix 
pattern.  There  are  three  lines  of  filiary  inscription  which  read: 

NU-UM-MI-LI 
SON  OF  NI-I-BU 
SERVANT  OF  RAMMAN. 

This  is  an  admirable  cylinder,  and  gives  one  of  the  best  existing 
illustrations  of  Teshub,  as  one  of  the  principal  Hittite  gods.  Perhaps 
1500  b.  c. 

No.  239.  Syro -Hittite  cylinder  of hematite.  Well  wrought  'with  the  'wheel,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length ,  24  mm. ;  diameter  of  end ,  10  mm. 

Within  border  lines, a  seated  goddess  holdsavase.  Before  her  a  nearly 
nude  figure,  probably  a  god,  holds  a  club  in  one  hand  and  a  sling  in  the 
other,  and  wears  a  two-horned  hat;  then  a  second  similar  figure  with  only 
a  club;  and  then  two  worshippers  with  hand  raised,  in  long  garments. 
Above  is  a  circle  with  enclosed  cross  to  represent  the  sun,  and  a  rope 
pattern  made  of  circles,  also  a  star.  There  is  a  break  in  the  stone  in  the 
lower  body  of  one  of  the  worshippers. 

The  sling  is  very  rare,  and  suggests  Egyptian  influence.  Perhaps 
1000-800  b.  c. 

No.  240.  A  Syro -Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Coarsely  engraved  with  point 
and  wheel.  In  good  condition.  Length ,  16  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

The  god  Teshub  or  Adad,  in  short  banded  garment,  one  hand  lifted 
behind  him;  the  other  carrying  a  weapon  with  knob  at  each  end;  before 
him  a  worshipper.  A  figure  with  two  wings,  and  before  it  a  figure  in 
short,  protruding  apron  of  Egyptian  style.  A  star. 

This  cylinder  shows  both  Egyptian  and  Hittite  elements,  and  is 
probably  Syrian  or  Phoenician,  and  may  have  been  of  1000  b.  c. 

No.  241.  A  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  ig  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  g  mm. 

An  ashera,  with  three  long  arrow  points  above  it,  above  which  is 
the  head  of  Adad,  or  Teshub.  Behind  a  long-skirted  beardless  figure  in  a 
square  feminine  hat,  above  which  is  a  dove.  Before  it  a  small  column,  or 
altar,  with  a  flame,  and  a  female  worshipper  in  a  tall  square  hat,  followed 
by  a  crux  ansata  below,  and  a  female  worshipper,  with  a  veil  before  her 


face;  a  vertical  line  separates  from  a  column  of  four  rosettes.  Border  lines. 

It  is  very  interesting  to  see  Adad  thus  in  the  form  of  a  herm,  or 
ashera.  1500-800  b.  c. 

No.  242.  This  cylinder,  probably  of  a  region  neighboring  to  Assyria ,  is  of  jade. 
Length ,  34.  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  13mm.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
excellent  condition. 

A  god  like  Adad,  or  Teshub,  in  a  short  garment,  low  rounded  hat, 
holding  in  the  left  hand  a  scimitar,  and  lifting  in  the  right  the  Egyptian 
emblem  of  stability  instead  of  a  thunderbolt,  stands  on  a  humped  bull. 
Facing  him  is  Marduk  with  his  scimitar.  A  seated  bearded  flounced  god 
holds  a  peculiar  sceptre,  the  top  of  which  is  a  succession  of  small  angles. 
Before  him  a  small  beardless  figure  in  a  long  checkered  garment  presents 
a  goat. 

This  cylinder  is  remarkable  for  its  material,  of  jade,  which  must  have 
been  found  in  Asia  Minor.  The  work  is  peculiar,  and  there  are  Egyptian 
elements.  Perhaps  from  loop  to  500  b.  c. 

The  Nude  Goddess  Ishkhara 

The  nude  goddess,  who  corresponds  to  the  Babylonian  Ishtar,  and 
yet  may  be  the  original  of  the  Babylonian  Zirbanit,  may  with  much 
probability  be  identified  as  Ishkhara.  We  see  her  in  Nos.  243,  244, 
apparently  nude,  but  really  represented  as  drawing  aside  her  garments  to 
expose  her  person;  and  yet  the  appearance  is  that  of  a  double  skipping- 
rope.  In  Nos.  229,  245,weseeher  with  the  garment  mainly  withdrawn. 
Her  symbolic  animal  is  the  bull,  or  more  probably  cow,  on  which 
she  sometimes  stands;  and  this  suggests  that  she  is  the  wife  of  Teshub, 
although  such  a  cylinder  as  No.  252  looks  as  if  she  might  be  the  wife  of 
the  principal  god.  This  latter  supposition  is  supported  by  the  fact  that 
the  nude  Zirbanit  is  the  wife  of  Marduk,  who  was  derived  from  the 
principal  Hittite  god.  The  goddess  over  the  cow  in  No.  247  and  under  a 
canopy,  must  be  the  same,  and  she  appears  also  in  No.  248,  and  it  is  very 
likely  she  that  appears  clothed  in  the  succeeding  numbers.  It  is  probably 
she  that  we  see  in  the  feminine  square  hat  and  armed  in  No.  252. 

No.  243.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder ,  said  to  have  come from  the  Hauran ,  of  hema¬ 
tite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good  condition,  except  somewhat  chipped. 
Length,  20mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10mm. 


106 


217 


PLATE  XXIX 


214- 


227 


225 


224 


223 


230 


226 


PLATE  XXX 


228 


v-> 


Two  bareheaded  figures  in  long  garment  face  each  other,  one  with 
hand  lifted,  the  other  with  hand  extended.  Between  them  a  circle  in  a 
crescent,  over  a  seated  monkey.  A  nude  kneeling  figure,  under  a  dove, 
has  hand  extended  towards  a  lion  on  which  stands  the  nude  goddess  with 
garment  drawn  back;  rabbit  and  star;  border  lines. 

Perhaps  1 500- 1 200  b.  c. 

No.  244.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in  fair 
condition.  Lengthy  16 mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  8mm. 

A  seated  goddess  in  a  flounced  dress  lifts  in  her  hand  a  slender  vase 
with  two  handles.  The  nude  goddess  with  garment  withdrawn;  a  cres¬ 
cent  on  each  side  of  her  head,  and  an  animal  head  at  her  feet.  A  god  with 
garment  reaching  to  the  ankles,  and  behind  him  a  flying  dove  over  a 
fish.  Two  small  undefined  objects. 

This  cylinder  seems  to  show  three  Hittite  deities,  and  may  be 
1400  b.  c. 

No.  245.  Syro- Egyptian  cylinder ,  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  pointy  and 
in  good  condition.  Lengthy  22mm.;  diameter  of  end,  11mm. 

Border  lines.  Raised  on  a  platform  is  a  female  figure,  with  both 
hands  raised,  and  one  bare  leg  fully  exposed ;  also  before  her  a  small 
female  nude  figure.  Approaching  them  is  the  principal  god  like  Martu, 
with  one  hand  advanced.  Above  are  the  crescent  and  the  Egyptian  vul¬ 
ture,  while  below  is  the  crux  ansata.  The  remainder  is  in  two  registers. 
In  the  upper  are  two  flounced  seated  figures,  each  holding  a  bent  object 
in  the  hand;  below  are  two  kneeling  nude  figures,  each  under  a  canopy. 

This  cylinder  is  said  to  have  been  found  in  the  Hauran,  and  it  has 
clear  Egyptian  influence,  and  wrought  of  a  period  1800  to  1500  b.  c. 

No.  246.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder.  Hematite.  Length ,  IQ  mm.;  diameter  of  end , 
IO  mm. 

There  are  two  designs  on  this  cylinder.  One  shows  a  seated  deity 
either  bearded,  or  a  goddess  with  a  necklace  of  diverging  pendants  (such 
as  a  seated  goddess  often  wears),  holding  a  vase  in  the  lifted  hand.  A 
worshipper  approaches  carrying  in  one  hand  an  object  like  the  “  libra.” 
Between  them,  above,  is  a  running  rabbit.  The  other  design  shows  us  a 
Hittite  goddess  standing  on  a  bull,  and  with  a  canopy  rising  behind  and 
reaching  over  her  head.  This  is  the  same  goddess  whom  we  elsewhere 


see  nude  on  the  bull.  Before  her  is  another  deity  much  like  the  Baby¬ 
lonian  Ramman.  In  the  field  are  the  “libra,”  and  under  it  the  vase  of 
Aquarius,  a  small  bird  and  the  head  of  an  ibex.  This  interesting  cylinder 
is  in  good  condition,  and  may  be  1000  b.  c. 

No.  247.  A  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in 
excellent  condition.  Length ,  iymm.;  diameter  of  end,  Qmm. 

Within  border  lines,  two  similar  figures  of  a  goddess  facing,  under 
a  double  arch.  They  have  long  flounced  robes  and  their  arms  fall  by  their 
sides.  A  short  skirted  god  holds  up  a  rod  or  spear.  A  rabbit  (?)  over  a 
rope  pattern,  over  a  lion.  A  rod  with  thickened  ends  over  a  very  slender 
vase.  Another  object  like  a  weapon. 

The  goddess  under  the  arch  is  probably  the  same  as  the  nude  Hittite 
goddess  which  occasionally  has  the  arch  over  her. 

No.  248.  A  Syro- Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and 
in  excellent  condition.  Length,  igmm.;  diameter  of  end,  iomm. 

4 

Design  within  close  border  lines.  God  in  short  garment,  and  appar¬ 
ently  an  Egyptian  head-dress,  holds  a  caduceus.  A  female  figure  in 
flounced  dress,  and  with  a  heavy  head-dress  falling  behind,  carries  a  bull 
(?)  over  a  swan.  A  column  over  a  sphinx. 

Perhaps  iooo  b.  c. 

No.  249.  A  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  fair 
condition.  Length,  i$mm.;  diameter  of  end,  8mm. 

Design  enclosed  in  border  lines ;  a  vertical  rope  pattern  enclosed  in 
double  lines.  A  cedar  tree  with  a  two-winged  figure  approaching  on 
each  side,  followed  by  a  single  worshipper  with  hands  folded.  A  slender 
vase,  and  perhaps  a  small  hand. 

This  peculiar  cylinder  may  be  of  about  iooo  b.  c. 

No.  250.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the point,  and  much  worn. 
A  small fragment  lost  at  top.  Length,  20  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  iomm. 

Within  border  lines  a  winged  goddess  whose  lower  body  is  drawn 
together,  as  if  columnar,  and  resting  on  a  base,  or  legs  crossed  and  nude. 
On  each  side  of  her  a  worshipper;  long  garment,  arms  folded.  Between 
them  a  seated  monkey.  A  griffin  and  a  rope  pattern,  over  a  humped  bull 
walking. 


108 


Probably  the  goddess  has  her  legs  crossed,  a  peculiar  form  of  this 
Hittite  goddess,  and  reminding  one  of  the  bizarre  figures,  probably  later, 
of  a  deity  with  crossed,  or  doubly  crossed  legs.  Perhaps  1 500  to  1 000  b.  c. 

No.  251.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite ,  wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  IJ  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  g  ?nm. 

The  design  is  within  border  lines,  and  shows  a  bearded  god,  in  gar¬ 
ment  below  the  knees,  wearing  a  turban,  holding  a  bent  weapon  like  a 
throw-stick,  or  boomerang.  A  beardless  figure,  in  long  dress,  faces  him 
in  the  attitude  of  worship,  and  a  second  follows  the  god.  There  is  a  bird 
over  the  rope  pattern,  over  a  crouched  ibex — also  two  “libras,”  and  ' 
a  star. 

The  two  “libras”  are  unusual,  and  we  miss  the  vase  which  would 
invariably  accompany  the  “libra”  in  Babylonian  art.  Probably  1 500  to 
1000  b.  c. 

No.  252.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  finely  with  the  point,  and  in 
excellent  conditio?!.  Length ,  26mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10.5mm. 

A  winged  goddess  in  a  square  hat,  naked  except  for  a  fringed  loin¬ 
cloth,  holds  in  one  hand  a  long  dagger  vertically  over  a  running  nearly 
nude  figure  which  also  holds  a  dagger.  Before  her  the  principal  Hittite 
god  in  a  high  hat  holds  in  his  hand  the  throw-stick.  Small  Gilgamesh  in 
front  view  seizes  a  lion  from  behind;  above  and  below  them  is  the  braided 
pattern. 

This  is  an  extraordinarily  beautiful  and  elaborate  cylinder  valuable 
for  the  figure  of  two  of  the  principal  deities,  and  the  finely  drawn  braided 
guilloche.  Perhaps  1500  to  1000  b.  c. 

The  Bull-altar 

A  class  of  cylinders  which  may  be  included  with  the  Syro-Hittite 
is  to  be  seen  in  the  following  six  numbers.  Hitherto  they  have  not  been 
recognized  and  studied.  They  seem  to  be  found  in  all  the  region  from 
Mesopotamia  to  the  Mediterranean,  and  I  purchased  one  from  a  native 
at  Arbela.  They  give  us  usually  as  the  principal  or  only  scene  what  is 
evidently  an  image,  or  idol,  of  a  bull,  like  the  golden  calf  of  Scripture, 
but  probably,  from  the  apparent  size,  of  bronze.  There  is  a  projecting 
point,  as  if  it  were  a  flame,  rising  from  the  back  of  the  bull,  which  sug¬ 
gests  that  there  may  be  a  fire  inside.  When  we  see  in  No.  255  two  arms 


w 


iog 


also  reaching  out  from  the  chest  of  the  bull,  we  can  hardly  help  recalling 
how,  according  to  the  Bible,  children  were  burnt  to  Moloch  by  the 
neighboring  nations.  We  have  no  literary  evidence  that  Moloch  was 
represented  by  a  bull,  but  neither  is  there  any  against  it.  Moloch  as  well 
as  Yahveh  may  have  been  represented  by  a  bull,  and  may  be  identical, 
under  another  name,  with  Adad,  or  Teshub. 

No.  253.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point ,  and  in 
fair  condition.  Length ,  16.5mm.;  dia?neter  of  end,  Qmm. 

A  bull-altar  with  flame.  Two  flounced  figures  approach,  with  Aa 
between  them. 

Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

No.  254.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
good  condition.  Length,  Ijmm.;  diameter  of  end,  8mm. 

A  bull-altar,  over  a  lion.  Three  worshippers  and  a  vertical  serpent. 

Perhaps  1 500-1000  b.  c. 

No.  255.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Very finely  wrought  withthe  point, 
and  crowded  with  minute  figures.  The  upper  portion  broken  off,  but  mostly  pre¬ 
served.  Somewhat  worn.  Length  of  portion  remaining ,  16  mm.;  diameter  of 
end,  12mm. 

The  heads  of  the  upper  figures  are  lost  in  the  fracture.  A  seated 
flounced  deity  has  two  lions  under  her  seat  and  feet.  She  holds  a  vase. 
Before  her  knees  a  slender  altar,  with  circle,  at  the  top.  Then  before  the 
deity,  who  occupies  the  entire  length  of  the  cylinder,  is  a  small  wor¬ 
shipper  in  the  upper  portion,  holding  a  vase.  Then  Adad,  with  foot  on  a 
bull  led  by  a  cord,  occupies  full  length,  and  two  very  small  figures  are 
before  him.  Then  follows  a  horizontal  platform,  with  the  ends  turned 
up  square  and  ending  in  snakes’  heads,  apparently,  supported  underneath 
by  two  figures  with  arms  uplifted,  and  on  it  the  seat  of  a  god  supported 
by  two  lions,  and  about  the  god  a  vase,  two  birds  and  other  indistinct 
objects.  Next,  above,  a  stand  in  a  square  construction,  beyond  which  is 
a  bull-altar,  with  two  arms  reaching  out  from  the  breast.  Under  it  a  lion. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  cylinders  extant.  It  is  to  be  com¬ 
pared,  for  the  smaller  seated  deity,  with  the  figure  of  the  sun-god  on  a 
boat  in  Jeremias’s  “Das  Alte  Testament,”  p.  437.  We  seem  here  to  see 
the  throne  of  the  deity  supported  by  a  “firmament”  and  with  support- 


IIO 


237 


PLATE  XXXI 


233 


ing  figures,  as  in  Ezekiel.  We  also  have  the  bull-altar  with  protruding 
arms,  as  if  to  hold  the  infant  offered  to  Moloch. 

This  makes  us  suspect  that  this  bull  is  a  bronze  altar,  hollow,  and 
perhaps  of  the  kind  of  which  we  are  told  that  infants  were  offered  upon. 
The  fire  would  have  been  within  the  body  of  the  bull,  and  the  child  in 
the  arms. 

Perhaps  1500  to  1000  b.  c. 

No.  256.  A  Syro -Hitt  it e  cylinder.  Hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point.  Length , 
15  mm.;  diameter  of end,  Q  mm.  Lather  coarsely  engraved, but  in  good  condition. 

The  design  shows  what  is  called  the  bull-altar,  shaped  like  a  bull, 
with  stiff  legs,  and  having  a  very  artificial  body  and  a  conical  object, 
perhaps  a  flame,  rising  from  above  the  rear  portion  of  the  body.  Before 
it  stand  two  kneeling  figures,  apparently  nude. 

Perhaps  1 500  to  1000  b.  c. 

No.  257.  Syro -Hittite  cylinder  of  black  slaty  stone.  Length,  iymm.;  diameter 
of  end,  Q  m7n.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good  condition. 

The  bull-altar  stands  over  a  scorpion.  Three  figures  in  long  garments 
approach,  each  with  hand  raised  in  the  attitude  of  worship. 

This  may  be  from  1 500  to  1 000  b.  c. 

No.  258.  A  Syro -Babylonian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Said  to  have  been  found  in 
Antarados,  in  Syria.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  excellent  condition. 

A  beardless  deity,  in  a  flounced  dress  and  low  cap,  holds  a  slender 
vase.  There  approach  three  figures,  each  with  a  hand  raised,  in  flounced 
garment.  The  middle  one  has  a  low  cap,  while  the  two  others  have  a 
two-horned  head-dress.  The  remaining  design  shows  what  may  be  called 
the  bull-shaped  altar,  with  a  slender  triangular  flame  (?)  from  the  back; 
and  under  it  an  ibex  lying  down  and  with  head  turned  back. 

Perhaps  1500  to  1000  b.  c. 

The  Winged  Disk  with  Rays 

Two  cylinders  are  here  classed,  although  of  different  style  of  engrav¬ 
ing,  one  with  the  point,  and  the  other  with  the  wheel,  because  they  agree 
in  presenting  the  winged  solar  disk  with  rays  in  place  of  the  usual  bird’s 
tail.  One  cannot  but  recall  that  in  the  time  of  the  Heretic  King  of  Egypt 
the  monotheistic  worship  of  the  solar  disk  was  required  with  rays  ending 


III 


in  hands.  No.  259  is  Syrian  and  may  be  as  old  as  the  Nineteenth  Egyptian 
dynasty,  but  the  other  would  appear  to  be  of  Assyrian  influence  and  later. 

No.  259.  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  black  serpentine.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and 
somewhat  worn ,  but  clear.  Length ,  21  mm. ;  dia?neter  of  end ,  10  m?n. 

This  cylinder  has  strong  Egyptian  features.  A  seated  deity,  with 
perhaps  an  armed  head,  has  the  hands  extended  towards  what  may  be 
a  small  human  figure  standing  by  a  column  of  dots  surmounted  by  the 
winged  disk,  from  the  lower  part  of  which  are  four  streamers,  each 
ending  in  a  dot.  On  the  other  side  of  the  column  a  standing  figure,  with 
an  animal-like  head,  with  one  hand  lifts  an  ibex,  or  goat,  by  the  horn. 
There  is  also  a  slender  simple  tree,  and  some  dots. 

The  lines  falling  from  the  disk  suggest  the  solar  disk  as  worshipped 
by  the  Heretic  King  of  Egypt,  Khuenaten.  Perhaps  this  suggests  the 
origin  of  his  symbol,  and  this  may  be  1 500-1400  b.  c.,  or  even  earlier. 
Said  to  have  been  found  in  the  Hauran. 

No.  260.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  jade-like  chalcedony.  Wrought  with  the  wheel, 
and  in  excellent  condition.  Length,  28  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  10 mm. 

Within  border  lines  a  worshipper  in  simple  garment,  hand  raised. 
A  star  over  a  lozenge,  over  a  fish,  over  an  antelope.  The  winged  disk 
over  a  lion  attacking  an  antelope.  The  crescent  over  a  star,  eight  dots, 
over  a  scorpion. 

Perhaps  1000  to  600  b.  c. 

Hittite  Cylinders  Wrought  with  the  Drill 

Like  the  last  number  the  three  cylinders  which  follow  are  wrought 
with  the  drill  and  are  of  particular  interest  as  showing  examples  of 
the  three  types  of  tools  used  for  engraving.  One  was  a  larger  or  smaller 
rounded  burr;  another  was  a  disk,  the  edge  of  which  was  used  to  engrave 
straight  lines;  while  the  third  was  a  hollow  cylinder  used  to  engrave 
circles  and,  by  tipping  it,  crescents. 

No.  261.  A  Hittite  cylinder  of  dark  green  jasper.  Coarsely  wrought  with  the 
wheel,  and  in  excellent  condition.  Length,  ig  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

A  wheel  enclosing  a  star,  supported  on  a  vertical  and  a  standing  line; 
on  each  side  a  crouched  animal.  Seven  dots,  over  rope  pattern  of  circles 
over  an  antelope.  Other  uncertain  objects.  Border  lines. 


112 


This  cylinder  affords  an  admirable  example  of  the  tools  used  in 
engraving  by  the  drill  or  revolving  disk. 

No.  262.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  wheel ,  and  in  excellent 
condition.  Length,  i8.y?nm.;  diameter  of  end,  8  mm. 

Within  border  lines  a  frog,  and  a  dog,  over  a  scorpion;  a  scorpion 
over  an  ibex  couchant,  over  an  uncertain  object;  a  scorpion  over  a 
winged  animal,  over  a  fish. 

This  cylinder  excellently  shows  the  use  of  three  sorts  of  tools,  the 
burr,  or  drill,  the  edge  of  the  revolving  disk,  and  the  tube  which  makes 
the  circles  or  crescents,  as  in  the  tails  of  the  scorpions  and  animals. 
Perhaps  1000  to  600  b.  c. 

No.  263.  Hittite  cylinder.  Hematite.  Wrought  with  the  drill;  slightly  convex. 
Length ,  15  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

A  cuttle-fish  (looking  like  a  tree  with  six  branches) ;  scorpion  over 
a  crouching  animal;  two  circles  with  a  central  point  over  a  griffin;  the 
figure  of  the  nude  goddess  Zirbanit;  three  circles  in  a  chain  over  the 
head  of  an  ibex  and  a  crouching  ibex. 

This  cylinder  is  in  excellent  condition  and  admirably  illustrates  the 
use  of  three  separate  tools  in  engraving.  The  cuttle-fish  is  not  usual,  and 
comes  from  the  Mycenaean  art.  Perhaps  1000  b.  c. 

A  few  miscellaneous  cylinders  are  best  included,  which,  except  the 
last,  belong  to  the  Syro-Hittite  region.  No.  268  would  be  suspected  as 
spurious,  but  some  much  like  it  seem  to  be  proved  genuine. 

No.  264.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Finely  wrought  with  the  point,  and  in 
excellent  condition.  Length,  18  mm. ;  diameter  of  end,  10  mm. 

Above,  a  continuous  braided  guilloche  enclosed  in  border  lines; 
border  line  below.  Two  seated  winged  lion-sphinxes  face  each  other, 
each  with  one  paw  raised;  above  the  wing  of  each  a  star,  and  above  their 
raised  paws  a  winged  disk,  and  below  a  head  of  the  goddess  Belit,  or 
Ninkharshag;  over  their  tails  a  rabbit,  and  under  them  the  head  of  a 
gazelle. 

This  is  a  beautiful  cylinder,  and  may  be  from  1 400  to  1 000  b.  c. 

No.  265.  Hittite  cylinder  of  hematite.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length,  Ip  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  12mm. 


Gilgamesh  nude,  in  front  view,  with  a  stream  from  each  shoulder 
or  from  a  vase  held  in  his  hands  at  his  breast.  On  each  side  of  his  head 
a  star,  and,  below,  on  one  side  a  hand,  and  on  the  other  a  fish  and  a  head. 
Facing  him  on  each  side  is  a  sphinx  with  the  body  of  a  lion,  wings  and 
human  head.  The  remaining  space  is  occupied  with  a  flying  dove  and 
a  running  ibex  over  a  hand  and  a  lion,  and  a  small  indeterminate  object. 

This  admirable  object  may  be  of  1 500  to  1 000  b.  c. 

No.  266.  A  Hitt  it  e  cylinder ,  of  hematite ,  engraved  with  the  point ,  but  much 
worn,  and  apart  of  the  lower  end  imperfect.  Length ,  18  mm. ;  dia?neter  of  end, 
1 1  mm. 

An  ibex  and  a  winged  lion  (?)  over  a  rope  pattern,  over  two  (?) 
crouching  lions.  A  column  with  a  human  face,  resting  on  a  lion,  and 
over  it  a  bird.  At  a  little  distance  on  each  side  stands  a  figure,  one  male 
in  a  short  dress,  the  other  female  in  a  long  garment,  each  with  hand 
extended;  above  one’s  hand  a  star,  above  the  other  the  sun  as  a  cross, 
in  a  crescent.  A  small  rabbit’s  head,  and  other  small  worn  objects. 

This  cylinder  is  interesting  for  the  human-headed  column,  an  infre¬ 
quent  object  which  is  one  of  the  characters  in  the  Hittite  hieroglyphics. 

No.  267.  Of  uncertain  nationality,  probably  belonging  to  one  of  the  outlying 
Assyrian  regions.  White  marble.  Length,  26  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  12mm. 
Considerably  worn.  Wrought  with  the  drill. 

The  design  is  confused  and  rude,  and  is  coarsely  engraved.  Above 
are  five  birds  in  a  row  walking,  a  man,  a  bird  flying,  and  a  star  (or  sun) 
consisting  of  eight  rays  each  ending  in  a  dot.  Below  are  three  small 
animals,  over  two  similar  stars  and  a  lion,  also  two  men,  one  of  whom 
attacks  an  ibex.  Some  other  uncertain  objects. 

This  cylinder  belongs  to  a  rude  type,  of  uncertain  provenance,  and 
is  hardly  of  1000  b.  c. 

No.  268.  A  cylinder  of  uncertain  provenance,  of  soft  greenish  gray  serpentine. 
Length,  25  mm. ;  diameter  of  etid,  11  mtn.  In  good  condition,  but  rudely  cut. 

Two  figures  facing  each  other.  Each  has  a  short  beard.  One  has  a 
short  wide  garment  and  holds  an  uncertain  object  in  the  hands,  which 
looks  like  a  doll.  The  other  has  a  long,  flounced  garment.  There  is  a 
vertical  crescent,  and  also  three  lines  of  inscription. 

This  looks  like  a  forgery,  but  is  probably  genuine,  belonging  to  some 
rude  province.  Probably  of  the  latest  period. 

114 


248  250 


252 

PLATE  XXXIII 


260 

PLATE  XXXIV 


■ 


SABEAN  CYLINDERS 


THERE  are  in  all  but  six  cylinders  known  which  contain  Sa- 
bean  inscriptions,  and  of  those  the  two  following  are  in  this 
collection;  of  the  others  there  is  one  each  in  the  Metropolitan 
Museum,  the  British  Museum,  the  Bibliotheque  Nationale  and  the 
Museum  of  the  Hague.  They  represent  the  art  of  Arabia,  or  at  least  its 
influence,  but  affected  by  that  of  Assyria. 

No.  269.  Sabean  cylinder ,  of  carnelian.  Engraved  with  the  wheel ,  and  in  good 
condition.  Length ,  18  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  Jmm. 

A  winged  disk  over  one  line  of  Sabean  inscription.  Facing  it  are 
two  bearded  figures  with  long,  simple  garments,  with  hands  reached 
forward ;  a  third  worshipper  behind  one  of  them;  also  a  star,  a  dagger, 
and  a  “libra.”  The  five  letters  may  read:  Adalbash. 

Perhaps  600  b.  c. 

No.  270.  Cylinder  of  Assyrian  type ,  but  with  a  Sabean  inscription ,  of  car¬ 
nelian.  Wrought  with  the  point  and  wheel.  Length,  22  mm.;  diameter  of  end, 
1 1. 5  mm. 

The  storm-god  Adad  stands  on  a  bull,  and  holds  one  hand  up,  while 
the  other  holds  a  trident.  Before  him  a  worshipper  followed  by  a  winged 
genius  holding  a  basket.  Behind  the  god  a  similar  genius.  A  star,  a  cres¬ 
cent,  and  seven  dots  representing  the  Igigi.  A  line  of  five  Sabean  letters 
may  read:  Dhalbara’ 

Perhaps  600  b.  c. 


« 


PHOENICIAN  INSCRIPTIONS 


THE  following  cylinders  contain  a  Phoenician  inscription.  No. 
271  is  of  purely  Assyrian  type.  Nos.  272,  273  are  minute  and 
set  as  ear-rings,  and  difficult  to  read. 

No.  271.  Assyrian  cylinder  of  chalcedony.  Wrought  'with  wheel  and  point,  and 
in  good  condition.  Length ,  2 1  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  gmm. 

A  god,  in  long  Assyrian  dress,  rushes  forward  and  with  one  hand 
seizes  an  ibex  by  the  horn;  the  other  hand  seizes  by  the  leg  an  ibex  only 
partly  engraved,  the  space  being  taken  by  a  Phoenician  inscription  of  five 
or  six  letters,  reading :  M  . . .  melek. 

Phoenician  inscriptions  are  rare.  Perhaps  600  b.  c. 

No.  272.  A  Phoenician  cylinder ,  set  in  an  ear-ring ,  the  mate  to  No.  273. 
Length ,  gmm.;  diameter  of  one  end ,  4.3  mm.;  the  other  end  is  rounded.  In 
excellent  condition. 

An  inscription  of  three  lines  of  Phoenician  letters. 

Perhaps  500  b.  c. 

No.  273.  A  Phoenician  cylinder  set  in  an  ear-ring;  the  mate  to  No.  2J2,  but 
has  a  different  inscription.  Length ,  gmm.;  diameter  of  one  end ,  4.3  mm.;  the 
other  end  rounded. 

An  inscription  of  three  lines  of  Phoenician  letters. 

Perhaps  500  b.  c. 


Il6 


PERSIAN  CYLINDERS 


THE  Assyrian  and  Babylonian  types  pass  over  into  the  later 
Persian  of  the  Akhasmenian  period.  Among  the  characteristics 
are  the  trowsers  shown  in  No.  276,  the  long  wings  of  the  solar 
disk  shown  in  No.  275,  and  the  peculiar  fire-altar  shown  in  No.  278. 

No.  274.  Persian  cylinder  of  a  pinkish  gray  stone.  Length ,  27  mm .;  diameter 
of  end ,  1 1  mm.  Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good  condition. 

A  god  in  Persian  garment  attacks  with  a  knife  a  rampant  lion.  The 
winged  disk  over  a  large  wheel,  with  seven  wedges  for  spokes,  and  the 
wheel  covered  with  points. 

Perhaps  500  b.  c. 

No.  275.  Persian  cylinder  of  light  banded  agate.  Well  wrought  with  the 
wheel.  In  excellent  condition.  Length ,  24mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  7 mm.  Of 
barrel  shape. 

The  winged  disk,  with  long  wings  after  the  Persian  style.  Below, 
the  crescent,  extending  to  a  complete  circle,  and  within  it  the  bust  of  the 
moon-god  Sin.  On  each  side  a  winged  sphinx  rampant,  with  body  of  a 
bull,  and  head  and  arms  human,  lifts  its  arms  as  if  to  support  the  wing  of 
the  disk. 

This  is  a  beautiful  cylinder,  and  may  be  of  600-500  b.  c. 

No.  276.  Persian,  or  possibly  Syro-Hittite  cylinder  of  reddish  sard,  approach¬ 
ing  carnelian.  Wrought  with  the  wheel,  and  in  good  condition.  Length,  22mm. ; 
diameter  of  end,  10mm. 

Close  border  lines.  The  pattern  is  divided  in  the  middle,  and  the 
design  as  seen  on  one  half  is  repeated,  reversed,  on  the  other  half,  so  as  to 
duplicate  the  design.  The  upper  part  of  two  winged  sphinxes,  back  to 
back,  and  facing  the  upper  part  of  a  four-winged  figure.  Also  the  head 
of  a  bull. 

This  is  a  unique  design,  and  very  interesting.  Perhaps  600  b.  c. 


No.  277.  Persian  or  late  Babylonian  cylinder,  of  lapis  lazuli.  Wrought  with 
the  point,  somewhat  corroded ,  but  in  fair  condition.  Length ,  33  mm.;  diameter 
of  end ,  14mm. 

A  worshipper  in  long  Babylonian  dress  (not  Persian)  stands  before 
a  winged  scorpion,  on  a  line.  Also  a  long-winged  solar  disk,  Persian  in 
type,  over  a  goat-fish,  or  capricorn,  on  a  line. 

The  capricorn  is  the  symbol  of  Ea.  The  winged  scorpion  appears 
on  the  boundary  stones  with  a  bow,  as  Sagittarius.  Probably  500  b.  c. 

No.  278.  Probably  a  Persian  cylinder  of  hematite.  Length ,  18  mm.;  diameter 
of  end ,  3mm.  Barrel-shaped.  Fairly  well  cut ,  and  in  excellent  condition. 

A  bareheaded  worshipper,  in  a  long  simple  garment,  holds  a  branch, 
or  baresma,  before  what  appears  to  be  the  image  of  a  god  supported  on 
a  low  stand.  The  deity  appears  to  have  a  short  beard,  a  low  cap  with  a 
plume,  long  Persian  trowsers,  tassels  falling  from  under  the  shoulders, 
and  to  hold  a  ring  in  the  hand.  Behind  the  deity  is  a  fire-altar,  shaped 
much  like  one  on  a  cylinder  in  the  Pauvert-de  la  Chapelle  collection  in 
the  Bibliotheque  Nationale,  and  on  the  altar  is  what  looks  like  a  great 
eye. 

Perhaps  400  or  500  b.  c. 

Wild  Animals 

The  four  cylinders  which  follow  may  belong  to  the  Persian  or  late 
Assyrian  periods,  but  they  exhibit  a  vigor  and  life  in  the  art  which  hardly 
seem  Persian.  It  may  be  that  they  come  from  one  of  the  outlying 
provinces. 

No.  279.  Cylinder  from  the  outlying  regions  of  Assyria ,  of  rose  quartz. 
Wrought  with  the  point,  but  perhaps  slightly  sophisticated  by  a  modern  dealer; 
somewhat  battered  at  the  lower  end  but  otherwise  in  good  condition.  Length, 
2 1  mm.;  diameter  of  end,  11mm. 

A  nude  bearded  archer  kneeling,  shoots  a  deer,  or  bull.  A  bird  flies 
down  from  above. 

The  material  of  this  is  attractive  and  quite  unusual.  This  cylinder  is 
hardly  Assyrian,  but  belongs  to  some  of  the  neighboring  countries,  but 
it  is  impossible  to  say  which  one.  Perhaps  600  b.  c. 


•  ' 

tit* 


’ 

•  ' 


'  ■ 

.  •  •  Is:  -  ‘i  - 


■ 


273 


282 


2  77 


276 


278 


279 


274 

/ 


281 


275 


280 

PLATE  XXXVI 


. 


■ 

■ 


- 


. 


■ 

' 

'  • 


No.  280.  Assyrian  or  Persian  cylinder ,  of  chalcedony.  Wrought  with  point , 
and  in  good  condition.  Lengthy  28 mm. ;  diameter  of  endy  10mm. 

A  large  tree  with  irregular  trunk  and  rounded  head;  beside  it  three 
slender  branches,  or  reeds,  and  a  leaping  stag. 

This  is  an  extremely  attractive  cylinder,  as  the  stag  is  admirably 
conceived.  It  may  be  questioned  whether  this  may  not  belong  to  one 
of  the  neighboring  regions  outside  of  Assyria  or  Persia.  Perhaps  700- 
500  b.  c. 

No.  281.  Perhaps  a  Persian  cylinder,  of  chalcedony.  Well  wrought  with  the 
point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  25  mm.;  diameter  of  end ,  Ijmm. 

Only  a  humped  bull. 

The  bull  walks  along  the  length  of  the  design,  and  is  excellently 
drawn.  Perhaps  500  b.  c. 

No.  282.  A  North  Assyrian  cylinder  of  red  and  white  brecciated  jasper. 
Wrought  with  the  point,  and  in  good  condition.  Length ,  jomm.;  diameter  of 
end,  14mm. 

A  lion  attacking  a  bull,  which  kicks  back. 

This  is  a  very  vigorous  design,  most  admirably  drawn.  It  does  not 
seem  to  be  either  Assyrian  or  Persian,  and  the  date  is  doubtful.  Perhaps 
600  b.  c. 


SCARABOI DS 


THE  scaraboid  form  developed  in  the  region  of  Phoenicia  and 
Syria  from  the  Egyptian  scarab.  They  are  oval,  with  a  flat  face 
for  the  design,  and  the  back  convex.  A  small  perforation,  as  in 
scarabs,  provides  for  suspension.  The  designs  on  them  are  of  the  general 
nature  of  those  on  Assyrian  cylinders  or  cone  seals.  They  probably  be¬ 
long,  for  the  most  part,  to  the  comparatively  late  period  of  the  later 
Egyptian  dynasties.  Our  principal  evidence  of  date  is  derived  from  the 
rare  Phoenician  inscriptions,  none  of  which  are  older  than  1000  b.  c. 

No.  283.  Rose-colored  chalcedony .  24  mm.  by  20  mm. 

The  standing  goddess  Ishtar,  precisely  as  on  the  Assyrian  cylinders,  in 
a  long  garment,  one  leg  advanced,  hand  raised  to  receive  the  worshipper. 
The  upper  part  of  the  body  is  enclosed  in  a  circle  of  close  dots,  and  a 
larger  circle  of  separated  dots  surrounds  the  inner  one.  The  worshipper 
in  a  long  garment  stands  with  hand  raised  in  adoration. 

This  well-engraved  seal  is  somewhat  worn,  but  clear.  The  design  is 
wholly  Assyrian,  and  the  seal  may  be  of  the  seventh  or  eighth  century  b.  c. 

No.  284.  Brownish  dark  gray  stone.  Lengthy  24  mm.;  diameter  of  end , 
ig  mm. 

A  purely  Egyptian  figure  stands  with  both  hands  raised, in  a  garment 
reaching  below  the  knees.  In  front  of  the  figure  are  two  small  objects, 
the  upper  one  a  bird  and  the  lower  perhaps  a  lotus.  Behind  the  figure 
is  an  inscription  of  five  Phoenician  letters,  which  reads:  “Arbadi,”  the 
name  of  the  owner.  The  shape  of  the  letters  allows  this  to  be  as  old  as 
the  eight  or  ninth  century  b.  c. 


120 


ASSYRIAN  CONE  SEALS 


WHILE  these  bear  the  name  of  Assyrian  cone  seals,  it  does  not 
follow  that  they  are  strictly  Assyrian,  or,  many  of  them, 
strictly  cones.  If  their  use  began  in  the  very  latest  period  of 
the  Assyrian  Empire,  it  prevailed  after  the  fall  of  the  Babylonian 
Empire,  but  generally  following  the  Assyrian  motives  and  style  of  art. 
The  true  cylinder  seal  occasionally  had  one  end  reduced  and  the  per¬ 
forations  bored  transversely  through  it;  and  out  of  these  was  derived,  by 
a  natural  evolution,  the  simpler  cone  seal  which  bears  its  design  on  the 
end.  Occasionally,  however,  the  cone  seal  has  a  design  also  on  the  side, 
as  with  cylinders.  Included  in  the  following  numbers,  are  some  excel¬ 
lent  specimens  of  these  so-called  cone  seals. 

No.  285.  Saphirine ,  or  blue  chalcedony. 

This  seal  has  a  flattened  octagonal  section,  with  convex  face,  on  which 
stands  a  worshipper  in  long  garment,  head  bare,  and  hand  raised  before 
two  asheras,  the  nearer  one  that  of  Nebo,  and  the  other  that  of  Marduk. 
On  one  of  the  flattened  sides  is  engraved  a  winged  bull. 

This  is  an  unusually  deep-colored  saphirine,  and  is  cut  carefully,  and 
mainly  with  the  free  hand,  so  that  the  symbol  of  Marduk  is  distinctly 
defined  with  the  triangular  head.  The  silver  ring  which  passed  through 
the  orifice  is  preserved,  although  oxidized  and  broken. 

No.  286.  Saphirine ,  with  the  flattened  octagonal  section.  The  orifice  is  still 
filled  with  the  copper  ring. 

On  the  convex  face  is  the  figure  of  a  worshipper  in  a  long  garment, 
bareheaded,  before  the  ashera  of  the  god  Nusku,  which  consists  of  a 
lamp-stand,  on  which  is  a  lamp,  Nusku  being  the  god  of  fire.  This  is  an 
unusual  design  and  an  admirable  example  of  the  symbol  of  the  god. 

No.  287.  Black  slaty  stone ,  with  an  oval  section ,  and  has  designs  on  the  face 
and  on  each  side. 


z 


121 


On  the  somewhat  convex  face  a  worshipper  in  a  long  garment  stands 
with  hand  raised  before  an  altar  in  the  form  of  a  table  with  crossed  legs 
and  covered,with  a  table-cloth  which  hangs  down  on  each  side,  and  on 
which  are  offerings.  Above  are  the  crescent  and  star,  emblems  of  Sin  and 
Ishtar,  and  beyond  the  table  is  an  ashera,  the  attribution  of  which  to  a 
definite  god  is  uncertain.  On  one  side  is  an  animal  with  young  suckling, 
under  a  star  and  crescent;  and  on  the  other  side  the  asheras  of  Marduk 
and  Nebo  stand  on  their  characteristic  composite  animal. 

No.  288.  A  gray  stone ,  with  nearly  square  face  and  the  corners  truncated. 

The  design,  which  is  rather  rudely  cut,  shows  a  goddess  on  a  chair, 
with  hand  raised,  before  four  wavy  vertical  lines,  or  columns,  which 
cannot  well  be  identified  as  being  the  emblems  of  a  known  deity. 

This  seal  would  hardly  seem  to  be  purely  Assyrian  or  Babylonian, 
but  may  be  Syrian. 

No.  289.  Saphirine ,  with  an  oval  section  and  a  convex  face. 

A  column  with  branching  lines  at  the  top  and  two  short  lines  from 
it  each  side;  a  goat  rampant  on  each  side,  with  head  turned  back.  Well 
cut  and  in  fine  condition. 

No.  290.  Saphirine ,  with  oval  section. 

A  column  with  an  acorn-shaped  top,  attached  apparently  by  a  cord 
to  the  column,  like  an  extinguisher  over  a  candle.  On  each  side  a  winged 
scorpion-man.  Well  cut  and  in  fine  condition. 

No.  291.  Bluish  chalcedony ,  with  an  oval  section. 

A  column,  or  standard,  as  in  No.  290  but  without  the  cap  attached. 
On  one  side  a  winged  scorpionrman.  Above  a  crescent.  Well  cut  and  in 
fine  condition. 

No.  292.  Bluish  chalcedony ,  with  an  oval  section. 

A  small  piece  is  chipped  off  on  one  side.  The  goat-fish,  or  capricorn, 
emblem  of  the  water-god  Ea.  Above  these  reaches  down  from  the  frac¬ 
ture  what  looks  like  a  slender  arm  ending  with  a  hand,  but  which  may 
be  simply  the  ashera  of  Ea,  which  would  have  the  head  of  a  ram  on  the 
summit.  Before  the  goat-fish  a  small  oval  object  which  is  usually  regarded 
as  the  feminine  emblem,  but  may  come  from  the  Egyptian  eye.  Well 


122 


283 


293 


294 

PLATE  XXXVII 


292 


286 


284 


289 


287 


295 


285 


290 


304 


305 


3  02 


303 


307 


308 


309 


297 


298 


299 


300 


PLATE  XXXVIII 


cut,  and  in  good  preservation  except  for  the  fracture.  The  representa¬ 
tion  of  the  goat-fish  is  unusual. 

No.  293.  Bluish  chalcedony ,  with  octagonal  section. 

A  worshipper  with  long  garment  and  hand  raised  stands  before 
two  asheras  rising  from  the  divine  seat;  the  nearer  one  the  emblem  of 
Marduk,  and  the  further  one  that  of  Nebo.  In  fine  condition.  This  seal 
is  rather  small. 

No.  294.  Emerald-green  glass ,  with  nearly  circular  section;  large. 

A  goat  attacked  from  behind  by  a  lion.  Vigorously  but  crudely 
wrought  with  the  wheel.  The  edges  are  somewhat  chipped,  but  the  very 
rare  and  choice  material  gives  this  seal  much  value.  I  do  not  remember 
any  other  Oriental  seal  of  this  emerald  glass. 

No.  295.  Saphirinet  with  oval  section.  In  nearly  perfect  condition  and  well 
cut. 

On  the  face  the  two  asheras  of  Marduk  and  Nebo  rising  from  a 
divine  seal.  Beside  them  in  Assyrian  characters  an  inscription,  and  on 
one  side  a  further  inscription.  They  read : 

NABU-NAPSHATI-USUR, 

SCRIBE.  - (^.  T.  Clay.) 

Cone  seals  with  cuneiform  inscriptions  are  very  rare. 

No.  296.  Saphiriney  with  octagonal  section;  two  bits  broken  out  near  the  bottom 
of  the  design. 

Two  man-fishes  facing  each  other.  From  a  vase  above  a  stream  falls 
into  a  vase  which  each  holds  to  his  breast,  and  from  thence  two  streams 
gush  out  to  a  vase  (but  broken  by  the  flaw)  below  between  them,  and 
are  falling  outside  beyond  the  tails  of  the  fishes. 

This  is  an  unusual  design  and  is  excellently  cut  in  the  stone. 

No.  297.  Saphiriney  with  octagonal  section. 

A  conventional  tree  of  life,  on  each  side  of  which  stands  a  composite 
figure,  the  upper  part  of  which  is  human  and  the  lower  a  bull.  Each  lifts 
his  arms  as  if  to  support  the  Ashur,  or  winged  disk,  the  circle  of  which 
is  here  suppressed. 

This  is  an  unusual  design  on  these  seals,  but  not  infrequent  on  the 
cylinders.  It  is  in  fine  preservation. 


123 


No.  298.  Chalcedony ,  with  an  oval  section. 

A  figure  in  a  long  garment  stands  in  a  crescent,  representing  the 
moon-god  Sin.  On  each  side  of  him  is  an  ashera,  of  which  one  behind 
him  is  the  emblem  of  Marduk,  and  the  other  is  probably  that  of  Nebo. 
In  good  condition,  but  crudely  cut  with  the  drill. 

No.  299.  A  large  seal  of  chalcedony  which  has  been  calcined  and  made  opaque. 

A  standing  worshipper  in  a  long  garment  lifts  his  hand  before  three 
asheras.  The  one  next  to  him  is  the  symbol  of  Marduk;  the  middle  one 
that  of  Nebo;  and  the  third  probably  that  of  Nusku.  The  three  stand  on 
the  divine  seat.  The  width  of  this  seal  allows  the  unusual  number  of 
three  asheras  to  be  represented. 

In  good  condition,  but  rudely  cut  with  the  drill. 

No.  300.  Chalcedony ,  with  flattened  octagonal  section,  the  angles  rounded.  A 
piece  broken  off  near  the  perforation.  The face  of  the  seal  is  in  good  condition , 
but  the  sides  are  somewhat  worn. 

Engraved  on  the  two  flat  sides  as  well  as  on  the  end.  On  the  face 
the  worshipper,  with  long  garment  and  hand  raised,  stands  before  two 
asheras,  the  nearer  one  that  of  Marduk;  the  further  one  that  of  Nusku, 
with  the  lamp  at  the  top.  On  one  side  an  animal  seated;  on  the  other  side 
an  Assyrian  cuneiform  inscription  in  two  lines  which  read : 

NABU-NASIR-NAPISHTIM, 

SCRIBE.  {A.  T.  Clay.) 

No.  301.  A  small  seal  of  saphirine ,  with  octagonal  section ,  in  perfect  preser¬ 
vation. 

The  worshipper  in  the  usual  attitude  stands  before  a  table,  or  altar, 
above  which  is  a  star,  the  emblem  of  the  goddess  Ishtar. 

No.  302.  Lapis  lazuli,  large ,  of  nearly  circular  section ;  in  fairly  good 
preservation. 

Under  a  crescent  a  worshipper  in  a  long  garment  stands  with  hand 
raised  in  worship  before  a  scorpion-man. 

The  material  is  quite  unusual  for  cone  seals. 

No.  303.  Bluish  chalcedony  with  broadly  oval  section.  Fairly  and  elaborately 
engraved,  and  in  good  condition. 

Above,  the  winged  Ashur,  with  the  bust  in  the  center  arising  from 
the  disk,  and  the  smaller  bust  arising  from  each  wing,  facing  the  central 

124 


> 


2 


god,  and  with  hand  raised.  Under  it  the  tree  of  life,  figured  like  a  lotus 
arising  out  of  a  half-circle  formed  of  two  branches  with  a  bud  at  each 
end.  On  each  side  a  worshipper  in  the  usual  attitude;  behind  one  a  star 
over  a  rhomb,  usually  supposed  to  be  a  female  emblem,  or  possibly  the 
Egyptian  eye;  behind  the  other  the  crescent  of  Sin  over  an  object  like 
a  dagger. 

An  unusually  fine  seal. 

No.  304.  Chalcedony ,  with  octagonal  section.  Engraved  with  the  wheel ,  and 
in  good  condition. 

Under  the  crescent  of  the  moon-god  Sin,  a  worshipper  stands  in  the 
usual  attitude  before  a  very  simple  representation  of  the  tree  of  life, 
consisting  of  five  radiating  lines,  above  which  are  the  two  asheras  of 
Marduk  and  Nebo. 

No.  305.  Chalcedony ,  with  octagonal  section.  In  good  condition ,  but  edges 
rubbed. 

The  worshipper  in  usual  attitude  stands  before  two  asheras,  one  that 
of  Nebo,  the  other  the  lamp  of  Nusku  on  a  lamp-stand.  Above  is  the 
crescent  of  Sin. 

No.  306.  Bluish  chalcedony ,  with  oval  section. 

A  worshipper  in  the  usual  attitude  stands  before  a  column  with  a 
flat  top,  and  two  asheras,  one  of  Marduk  and  the  other  of  Nebo.  Above 
is  the  star  of  Ishtar. 

No.  307.  Saphirine ,  with  flattened  octagonal  section.  In  excellent  condition 
and  is  well  engraved. 

A  worshipper  in  a  long  garment  stands  in  the  attitude  of  worship 
before  the  ashera  of  Nebo,  above  which  is  a  crescent. 

No.  308.  Of  bluish ,  rather  opaque  chalcedony,  approaching  jasper,  with  a 
flattened  octagonal  section.  In  excellent  condition  and  well  engraved. 

A  lion  attacks  a  bull,  mounting  it  from  in  front. 

No.  309.  Burnt  opaque  chalcedony,  with  an  oval  section. 

The  design,  which  is  rudely  engraved  with  the  revolving  tool,  shows 
a  goddess  seated  in  a  high-backed  chair,  from  the  back  of  which  project 


AA 


125 


short  lines  such  as  in  some  cases  end  in  stars.  She  has  a  long  robe  and  one 
hand  is  extended.  Beneath  the  chair  is  an  animal  with  head  and  neck 
raised  in  front;  the  goddess  seems  to  be  seated  on  the  back  of  the  animal. 
The  goddess  is  probably  the  mother  goddess  later  known  as  Ma. 

No.  310.  Yellowish  burnt  chalcedony ,  or  jasper,  with  an  oval  section — rudely 
engraved  with  the  revolving  tool. 

A  standing  worshipper  in  long  garment,  with  hand  raised.  There  is 
a  star  above  and  another  below  his  hand.  Behind  him  is  an  object  like  a 
dagger  with  a  crossed  handle. 


126 


/ 


PLAT  E  XXXIX 


SASSAN IAN  SEALS 


WITH  this  collection  of  cylinders  and  Assyrian  cone  seals  there 
are  included  a  small  number  of  what  are  called  Sassanian 
seals,  which  succeeded  the  period  of  Arsacid  domination  and 
which  maybe  dated  from  a  period  of  from  200  or  300  to  500  or  600  a.  d. 
They  are  of  the  same  materials  as  the  Assyrian  cone  seals,  serpentine, 
chalcedony,  carnelian,  jasper,  hematite,  etc.,  but  take  on  a  new  shape. 
They  are  hemispherical,  or  somewhat  larger  than  a  hemisphere,  but 
inclining  to  be  flattened  until  they  even  take  the  form  of  a  ring.  The 
designs  are  quite  various,  sometimes  a  human  head,  apparently  meant 
to  be  a  portrait,  but  oftener  some  animal  figure;  occasionally  a  god.  It  is 
not  uncommon  to  find  a  Pehlevi  inscription  which  is  often  so  rudely  or 
peculiarly  engraved  as  not  to  be  easily  read,  especially  on  account  of  the 
change  from  the  earlier  into  the  later  script.  Seals  of  this  class  need  much 
more  profound  study  than  they  have  yet  received  from  scholars. 

No.  311.  Dark  gray  soft  serpentine ,  of  peculiar  and  unusual  shape.  Instead 
of  the  ordinary  hemispherical  shape ,  the  upper  rounded  portion  has  been  curved 
into  a  human  head ,  beardless  and  shorn.  It  is  well  and  strongly  cut. 

The  flat  oval  seal  surface  has  the  head  of  a  bearded  man  in  cameo, 
set  in  a  border  which  is  engraved  with  a  Pehlevi  inscription. 

No.  312.  Large  chalcedony ,  of  nearly  hemispherical  shape.  The  back  is 
engraved  with  a  geometrical  design. 

The  face  of  the  seal  has  a  hump-backed  bull,  or  zebu,  above  which 
are  the  star  and  the  crescent. 

In  good  preservation  and  an  attractive  example. 

No.  313.  Brown  and  white  banded  agate ;  hemispherical  and  in  excellent 
condition ,  except for  a  single  small  chipping  on  the  face. 

I2J 


AA2 


A  bird  stands  with  wings  lifted  and  seizes  with  his  talons  the  head 
of  an  animal. 

On  the  border  are  half  a  dozen  Pehlevi  letters.  An  attractive  seal. 

No.  314.  Brown  chalcedony,  hemispherical. 

The  surface  consists  wholly  of  an  inscription  in  three  lines,  one  of 
them  around  the  face  of  the  seal,  and  two  of  them  across  it.  In  excellent 
condition. 

No.  315.  Carnelian.  A  small  hemispherical  seal. 

On  the  face  a  stout  animal  with  branching  horns  in  the  attitude  of 
repose.  In  good  condition. 

No.  316.  Carnelian,  flattened,  with  oval  face  and  large  perforation. 

The  design  shows  a  god  on  horseback  piercing  with  a  spear  a  seven¬ 
headed  serpent.  In  good  preservation. 

This  is  a  unique  and  very  remarkable  design.  It  shows  the  later 
evolution  of  the  myth  of  the  conflict  between  Bel  and  the  Dragon, 
which  we  find  on  the  Assyrian  cylinders,  under  various  forms  of  the 
dragon,  one  of  which  is  rarely  that  of  the  serpent,  as  seen  in  fig.  156.  It 
corresponds  also  to  the  same  conflict  between  the  spirits  of  order  and 
disorder  which  is  seen  in  the  piercing  of  the  serpent  Apep  in  Egyptian 
art.  This  seal  shows  a  close  relation  with  the  later  development  of  the 
figures  of  Saint  George  fighting  the  Dragon. 

No.  317.  Small  carnelian,  flattened  and  with  a  large  perforation.  In  good 
preservation,  and  fairly  well  engraved. 

The  oval  face  gives  us  the  head  and  bust  of  a  man,  bearded,  and  with 
long  hair  behind  his  neck. 

No.  318.  Small  light  colored  carnelian,  flattened. 

The  oval  face  shows  the  head  of  a  deer  with  branching  horns,  and 
on  each  side  of  its  neck  a  thick  conical  ornament  projection,  or  wing. 
The  same  is  to  be  observed  in  the  two  next  numbers. 

No.  319.  Carnelian,  flattened  and  with  a  large  perforation.  The  engraved 
face  is  oval,  and  the  re?naining  surface  is  ornamented  with  scroll. 

The  face  shows  a  dancing  female  figure  with  legs  crossed,  and  a 
garland  over  her  head.  On  each  side  of  her  body  is  a  conical,  or  bee¬ 
hive  shaped  object,  and  a  single  star. 


128 


No.  320.  Calcined  chalcedony ,  opaque,  flattened,  and  with  large  perforation. 

The  design  shows  a  large  hand,  the  wrist  of  which  branches  out 
above  into  cone,  or  cornucopia-like  ornaments,  one  rising  on  each  side. 
The  meaning  of  these  objects,  beyond  ornament,  or  to  fill  the  space,  is 
not  clear.  Around  the  design  is  an  inscription  in  Pehlevi  letters. 

No.  321.  Carnelian,  flattened,  with  large  perforation,  oval  face,  and  the 
remaining  surface  engraved  with  a  scroll  ornament. 

The  design  shows  a  cock  and  a  mouse  fighting,  surrounded  by  a 
border  ornament  like  a  branch.  A  very  attractive  seal. 

No.  322.  Clear  chalcedony ,  much  flattened,  and  with  a  very  large  perforation, 
giving  the  seal  the  shape  of  a  thick  ring. 

The  face  shows  a  flower  of  the  thistle  shape,  rising  from  a  stalk,  with 
a  slender  branch  on  each  side  of  the  flower,  and  leaves  rising  from  below. 
In  excellent  condition  and  an  attractive  seal. 

No.  323.  Clear  chalcedony.  A  ring-shaped  seal  with  small  oval  face,  and  the 
remainder  of  the  ring-surface  engraved  with  four  double  ovals. 

The  face  shows  a  coarsely  engraved  standing  female  figure  fully 
draped,  and  with  a  long  braid  of  hair  falling  behind. 

The  ring-shape,  and  the  clear  stone  gives  this  seal  value. 


■ 


"  •  '  ■  .  ‘I 


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